Provider COVID-19 reporting data will likely be used by surveyors during their investigations, according to the nation’s largest nursing home association.
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living issued the warning as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began its mandatory COVID-19 reporting for nursing homes. Its leaders said operators should give an “accurate picture of staffing and [personal protective equipment]” to the federal government.
The organization suggested that providers report their staffing and PPE situation based on normal standards and guidance and not conservation guidance. It added that federal and state governments will use the data to hold nursing homes accountable for care and services provided, and to identify who needs additional resources. The association offered situational guidance for providers to follow.
“Given the instructions on [the National Healthcare Safety Network], reporting that you have what you need tells CMS that you have enough PPE and staff to follow conventional and normal practices, which will likely be used by surveyors when comparing what they find during their surveys,” AHCA/NCAL wrote.
The organization also noted that nursing homes should keep documentation of their efforts to secure more PPE and staffing, and report contingency and crisis strategies being used to conserve workers and supplies.
PPE supplier list developed
Providers struggling to find adequate suppliers of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic now have a new resource.
AHCA/NCAL has developed a PPE suppliers list to help providers find reliable equipment and avoid scams while demand for the materials remains so sky high.
The list features suppliers that have successfully delivered PPE supplies to organization members during the pandemic. The association noted that with demand being so high, suppliers may not have their typical inventory on hand. They suggested that if a supplier is out of stock to ask when they, as would-be customer, should check back.
“The list is not an endorsement or seal of approval of any particular PPE supplier, but can be used as a resource when PPE is not available through their ordinary supply chains,” the organization wrote.
Adequate PPE has been one of the top concerns for providers since the start of the pandemic.
AHCA/NCAL recently called for expedited shipments of PPE from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The request came after FEMA pledged to send two weeks’ worth of mask, gowns, eyewear and gloves to providers by July 4. Providers said they want and need the materials by the beginning of June.
In a recent LeadingAge press conference, its board chairwoman said one of her facilities’ most reliable sources for material has come from a person they only refer to as “Parking Lot Guy.”
