Study Looking at Whether History of Concussions Increases Odds of Long COVID
COVID-19
Cognitive Rehab May Help Older Adults Clear COVID-Related Brain Fog
August 4 SCO Subcommittee Meeting Summary
Local Healthcare Provider Thanks Pickett for Act 76: RCPA Member Northern Tier Counseling, Inc. Highlighted
UHS Execs Warn Payers to Keep Up with Inflation or Go Elsewhere
House Prepares To Extend Telehealth Waivers 2 Years, ATA Seeks Bill Tweaks
Department of Health Creates the Non-Traditional Infection Control Consulting (NICC) Team
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fundamental role that infection prevention and control (IPC) practices play in the delivery of safe healthcare and sustaining a strong, healthy community. The pandemic has taught us that not all healthcare settings have the same needs, abilities, or serve the same populations, and because of that, each facility may have their own set of unique IPC challenges. Behavioral health/psychiatric facilities, drug & alcohol treatment centers, and group homes have been identified as the state’s non-traditional healthcare settings, and through experience, we have learned that these sites may require additional IPC support and resources. Recognizing this need, DOH has created the Non-traditional Infection Control Consulting (NICC) Team.
The NICC Team is a group of certified, experienced infection preventionists with commitment to empowering and supporting non-traditional healthcare settings throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as they aim to reduce transmissible diseases and conditions. To assist in promoting integration of best practice IPC principles into all roles and aspects of care in these settings, the NICC Team can provide the following free of cost services:
- Infection prevention and control consultations;
- Guided facility assessments;
- Policy and guidance interpretation and recommendations (DOH, CDC, CMS, DHS, etc.);
- Education and training resources; and
- Tools and resources to support facility needs, including audit tools, checklists, and fact sheets.
Please review the more detailed information sheet about the team’s services and an introductory program flyer to share with non-traditional healthcare partners & facilities. This new resource is intended to increase awareness of IPC best practices as they aim to ensure patient safety in all PA healthcare settings.
Update: FAQ About Modifications to Medication Administration Course Requirements
ODP Announcement 20-114 explains that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) currently allows staff who are required to take the Standard Medication Administration Training Course (“Standard Course”) to take the Modified Medication Administration Training Course (“Modified Course”) until July 31, 2022.
The Department previously required that staff who took the Modified Course in lieu of the Standard Course complete the Standard Course no later than December 31, 2022. Please be advised that this deadline has been extended to June 30, 2023.
Staff persons may take the Modified Course in lieu of the Standard Course until July 31, 2022. Beginning August 1, 2022, staff persons must take the Standard Course.
CDC Advisers Give OK to Novavax COVID-19 Shot for Unvaccinated Adults
HHS Roundtable Hosted at RCPA Member Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
RCPA member Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) hosted the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra for a roundtable discussion on children’s mental health and the impact of community violence on the afternoon of Friday, July 15, 2022. The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Ala Stanford, who is the Regional Director for HSS, responsible for all of Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Dr. Stanford is a practicing physician and the founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, which focuses on testing and vaccinating Philadelphia residents against COVID-19.
Xavier Becerra is the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the first Latino to hold the office in the history of the United States. Secretary Becerra was in Philadelphia to promote the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), which is a network of more than 200 state and local call centers.
“CCTC was proud to be chosen as the organization the Secretary visited. It was wonderful to share with him the work that is being done in Philadelphia around children’s mental health services and highlight the impactful work CCTC provides in our centers, community, and schools,” said Antonio Valdés, Chief Executive Officer at CCTC.
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