The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an amendment to the Public Readiness and Preparedness Act (PREP), which will allow for those providers whose license has expired within the last five years or who have recently retired to prescribe, dispense, and administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Retired providers or those whose license has expired within the last five years will be required to complete a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-administered COVID-19 vaccine training and will be required to undergo an on-site vaccination supervision period by a currently practicing provider. HHS is hopeful that this expansion of the health-care workforce who can administer the vaccines will assist in ramping up vaccination efforts once vaccine supply is more widely available.
Melissa Dehoff
Melissa Dehoff is responsible for all medical rehabilitation and brain injury service issues. Ms. Dehoff attends multiple state-level meetings to advocate on behalf of members on brain injury and rehabilitation issues and is a member of the Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board.
HHS Announces Intention to Extend PHE Declaration Through 2021
In a letter to United States governors, Acting Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Norris Cochran announced their intention to keep the public health emergency (PHE) declaration throughout 2021. States will be provided with a 60-day notice before the declaration is terminated or expires to allow stakeholders time to transition. Additionally, HHS has indicated renewals will be announced every 90 days.
National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness
Warped Egg Yolks Are Helping Scientists Understand How to Prevent Brain Injuries
COVID-19 Vaccine Information & Best Practices Webinar Jan 21
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) will conduct a webinar, “COVID-19 Vaccine: Information & Best Practices,” on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The webinar, through the Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams (RCAT), will include feedback and information from experts and peers regarding vaccine education and implementation strategies.
Immediate Request for Vaccination Information
OLTL Enacts Temporary Changes to Act 150 Program and OBRA Waiver
Support Continues for LTC Facilities for COVID-19: Regional Congregate Care Assistance Teams
Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Payment Rates Revised
2021 Annual Update to Therapy Code List
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