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Reminder: Join RCPA Member Update Webinar
IRF Reminder: IRF QRP Submission Deadline is August 16
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) are reminded about the upcoming IRF quality reporting program (QRP) submission deadline that is quickly approaching. The IRF patient assessment instrument (PAI) data set assessment data and data submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for January 1, 2021–March 31, 2021 (Q1) are due with the submission deadline of August 16, 2021. All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm on August 16, 2021.
The list of measures required for this deadline is found on the CMS QRP website:
Providers are encouraged to run applicable CASPER/iQIES/NHSN analysis reports prior to each quarterly reporting deadline in order to ensure that all required data has been submitted.
Swingtech sends informational messages to IRFs that are not meeting annual payment update (APU) thresholds on a quarterly basis ahead of each submission deadline. If there are email addresses that need to be added or changed to which these messages are sent, an email should be sent here. Please include facility name and CMS Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested email updates.
PPL to Hold Statewide Training for Service Coordinators
Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL) announced that they will hold a statewide Service Coordinator (SC) Training webinar on September 8, 2021, from 10:00 am–12:00 pm. This training webinar will address information for SCs who serve participants who utilize Participant-Directed Services.
Agenda topics will include: Program Information, Roles & Responsibilities, Enrollment Process, Authorizations, and Managing Participant Services. To join the webinar, please visit the Microsoft Teams link below. Please contact PPL with any questions regarding this training.
Financial Management Services Stakeholder Meeting Cancelled
The Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder meeting scheduled for Friday, August 6, 2021 has been cancelled. An email communication will be sent prior to the next FMS Stakeholder meeting.
Workforce Crisis, Funding, and COVID Vaccines: A Message to Legislators and the Administration
Every health and human services organization understands the enormity of the workforce crisis. Recruitment and retention have become impossible and vacancies across all service lines are evident. Unfortunately, this has also led to program closures without an end in sight. And that is one of the most alarming parts of this situation – what will change that will truly address the crisis?
[View the full RCPA position paper]Long-Term Care Facility (Including IDD) Providers Webinar
A Review of PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 2021 – PAHAN – 569 – 4-30 – UPD UPDATE: Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Exposure to COVID-19
Friday, August 6, 2021
9:30 am–10:30 am
COVID-19 infection rates are projected to increase in Pennsylvania due to a number of factors. There is concern that this increase in infections will exacerbate the already straining staffing capacity of long-term care facilities. To ensure that we are prepared to support some of the most vulnerable populations, Holly Simpson from the Pennsylvania Department of Health will present a review of the information contained in PA HAN 569. This review will include topics such as defining a “high-risk” exposure for healthcare personnel (HCP), how and when work exclusion for HCP should occur, testing strategies for HCP, and criteria for reducing work exclusion for HCP to mitigate staffing shortages.
Register here.
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Pennsylvania Department of Health 2021 Updated Guidance
Alison V. Beam, JD, Acting Secretary of Health
Public Health Recommendations for People Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 DISTRIBUTION
Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides this guidance based on available information about COVID-19 and is subject to change. On July 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendations for individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 given new evidence on the B.1.617.2. (Delta) variant currently circulating in the United States.
Based on these updated recommendations, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) is updating guidance for individuals exposed to COVID-19. This guidance, which replaces PA-HAN-566, provides clarification on quarantine guidance and public health mitigation strategies (e.g., masking, social distancing) based on vaccination status.
- This guidance replaces PA-HAN-566 and provides clarification on quarantine recommendations for persons exposed to SARS-CoV-2.
- In counties with substantial or high transmission, CDC and DOH recommend all persons, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask in public indoor settings.
- Fully vaccinated people who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are to be tested 2–5 days after exposure and should wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test.
- Regardless of vaccination status, any person with new or unexplained symptoms of COVID-19 still needs to isolate and be evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 testing.
- If you have questions about this guidance, please call your local health department or 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
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