Category: COVID

Infection Control Assessment and Response Project

Posted on

INFECTION CONTROL ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE PROJECT: A COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES AND THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR MISSOURI NURSING HOMES

The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri’s Nursing Homes (QIPMO) is partnering with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in response to the novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19. In doing so, QIPMO has formed a new Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) team with a primary goal of assisting Missouri Long-Term Care Facilities to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.

See the New Release for more information.

Free COVID-19 Testing Opportunities Available Throughout Missouri

Posted on

The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.

Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.

Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.

County

Location

City

Dates

Times

Greene

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

Springfield

December 3-4

Dec. 3: 9AM – 7PM
Dec. 4: 7AM – 4PM

Gentry

Stanberry City Hall

Stanberry

December 4

11AM – 5PM

Jasper

Ozark Christian College

Joplin

December 5

10AM – 4PM

Buchanan

Aquatic Center

St. Joseph

December 5

8AM – 4PM

Webster

Webster County Fairgrounds

Marshfield

December 7

12PM – 6PM

Adair

NEMO Fairgrounds 4-H FFA Building

Kirksville

December 7

8AM – 3PM

Henry

Henry County Fairgrounds

Clinton

December 8

12PM – 6PM

Clark

Kahoka Christian Church

Kahoka

December 8

12PM – 6PM

Cooper

Cooper County Fairgrounds

Boonville

December 9

12PM – 6PM

Pike

Pike County Fairgrounds

Bowling Green

December 9

12PM – 6PM

Cole

American Legion

Jefferson City

December 10

10AM – 6PM

St. Charles

The Family Arena

St. Charles

December 10-11

Dec. 10: 10AM – 4PM
Dec. 11: 8AM – 4PM

Warren

Warren County Fairgrounds

Warrenton

December 11

12PM – 6PM

Jefferson

Hillsboro Civic Club

Hillsboro

December 12

9AM – 3PM

Perry

Perryville City Park

Perryville

December 12

11AM – 5PM

Ozark

Gainesville Saddle Club

Gainesville

December 14

10AM – 2PM

Platte

Platte County Resource Center

Kansas City

December 14-15

Dec. 14: 12PM – 6PM
Dec. 15: 10AM – 4PM

McDonald

First Baptist Church

Anderson

December 15

12PM – 5PM

Register for testing at:
www.health.mo.gov/communitytest
or call (877) 435-8411

 

Surge Testing

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:

Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.

Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.

More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

 

COVID-19 Reporting

Posted on

As testing in long-term care (LTC) facilities has expanded with the addition of point-of-care testing kits in recent months, the state has likewise expanded the avenues through which data is collected. Given the additional modes of entry for COVID-19 data, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services wants to offer clear guidelines for facilities so they can correctly and accurately submit data regarding their residents and staff.

Please see the Reporting Memo for long-term care facilities, adult day care programs, and ICF-IIDs.

COVID-19 LTC Bed Availability Portal

Posted on

Reminder: After submitting your initial survey, you should have received a confirmation email which provided you a link to update your survey each day (instead of submitting a new survey). Multiple surveys for your facility show up twice on the map with different bed numbers. This makes it difficult to know which totals are current. Please use the link emailed to you after your initial submission to edit your facility bed availability. Please do not submit an “initial” submission more than once.

The healthcare continuum is increasingly becoming strained with the number of positive cases across the state. This portal has been established to improve communication across the care continuum to assist in ensuring Missourians have access to the right care in the right setting. We are asking all long-term care communities to complete this brief survey each day by 9:00 AM beginning Wednesday, November 25th in order to identify available beds for potential admissions. Participation in the bed availability survey is voluntary. The survey may be accessed at https://arcg.is/1rjKy8. Once the initial submission is completed, each submitter will receive a link in order to update the bed availability information. If information does not change from day to day, the submitter can simply update the date and submit – the prior day’s information will populate.

The survey information will populate an accompanying dashboard that will be available to hospitals to use as a tool in finding placement for those patients who would be best served in a long-term care setting. This dashboard may be accessed at https://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/f1e0745f93fe46b482d8ff4585f821bf.

To view instructions on utilizing the dashboard, click on ‘Instructions’ under the map for information.

AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home Covid-19 Action Network

Posted on

Missouri Nursing Homes-
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to earn $6,000 for your organization, while gaining practical, useful information, skills, and resources regarding Covid-19 in nursing homes. Join the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network, and connect with both specialists and peers to ask and answer immediate challenges your organization is facing during this challenging time.

Key Points:

  • Three cohorts of 35-40 organizations will be offered. You will select your preferred time slot upon registering your organization:
    • Session times will be:
      • Wednesdays- 1:30-3:00pm
      • Thursdays- 9:30-11:00am
      • Fridays- 1:00-2:00pm
    • Sessions will be closed once they reach 40 organizations.
  • Sessions are currently in process – Register Now!!
  • Sessions are 90 minutes, once a week, for 16 weeks (we will take the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s off).
  • You may have up to 4 staff members register for the ECHO.
  • Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes are eligible for $6000 in compensation.
    • Must complete attached documentation by the 4th session of the program.
    • Must have at least two staff members attend 13 out of the 16 sessions.

Register your organization at: https://app.hatchbuck.com/OnlineForm/2992654253.

Contact Lindsey Beckmann at beckmannli@health.missouri.edu with any questions.

COVID-19 LTC Bed Availability Portal

Posted on

The healthcare continuum is increasingly becoming strained with the number of positive cases across the state. This portal has been established to improve communication across the care continuum to assist in ensuring Missourians have access to the right care in the right setting. We are asking all long-term care communities to complete this brief survey each day by 9:00 AM beginning Wednesday, November 25th in order to identify available beds for potential admissions. Participation in the bed availability survey is voluntary. The survey may be accessed at https://arcg.is/1rjKy8. Once the initial submission is completed, each submitter will receive a link in order to update the bed availability information. If information does not change from day to day, the submitter can simply update the date and submit – the prior day’s information will populate.

The survey information will populate an accompanying dashboard that will be available to hospitals to use as a tool in finding placement for those patients who would be best served in a long-term care setting. This dashboard may be accessed at https://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/f1e0745f93fe46b482d8ff4585f821bf.

 

To view instructions on utilizing the dashboard, click on ‘Instructions’ under the map for information.

HCBS COVID-19 Relief Funds Reimbursement COVID-19 Testing Expenditures – UPDATED

Posted on

DSDS has announced to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) staff and stakeholders that a memorandum has been issued regarding an extension to the submission deadline for the COVID-19 Relief Funds (CRF) reimbursement.

Please refer to INFO 11-20-03 at the link provided below.
https://health.mo.gov/seniors/hcbs/infomemos.php

Any questions regarding this memorandum should be directed to Long Term Services and Supports via email at LTSS@health.mo.gov.

CDC Guidance and Updates

Posted on

The CDC has issued the following guidance:

Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/testing-management-considerations-nursinghomes.htm

  1. This guidance summarizes practices that should be considered when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses are found to be co-circulating based upon local public health surveillance data and testing at local healthcare facilities. While these considerations are specific to care of residents residing in nursing homes, some practices could be adapted for use in other long-term care settings (e.g. assisted living facilities).

 

The following COVID Healthcare IPC guidance has been updated:

  1. Guidance for SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing
    1. This update includes minor revisions to the FAQ section.

Free COVID-19 testing opportunities available throughout Missouri

Posted on

The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.

Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.

Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.

County

Location

City

Dates

Times

Madison

Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department

Fredericktown

November 21

11AM – 3PM

Montgomery

Old Settlers Picnic Grounds

New Florence

November 21

11AM – 5PM

Howell

Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center

West Plains

November 30

11AM – 5PM

Saline

Saline County Health Department

Marshall

November 30

9AM – 5PM

Crawford

Cuba Knights of Columbus Hall

Cuba

December 1

12PM – 6PM

Clay

First United Methodist Church

Kearney

December 1

10AM – 6PM

Platte

Platte County Resource Center

Kansas City

December 2

10AM – 6PM

Greene

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

Springfield

December 3-4

Dec. 3: 9AM – 7PM
Dec. 4: 7AM – 4PM

Gentry

Stanberry City Hall

Stanberry

December 4

11AM – 5PM

Jasper

Ozark Christian College

Joplin

December 5

10AM – 4PM

Buchanan

Aquatic Center

St. Joseph

December 5

8AM – 4PM

Register for testing at:
www.health.mo.gov/communitytest
or call (877) 435-8411

 

Surge Testing

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:

Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.

Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.

More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Point of Care Antigen Reporting

Posted on

Effective Friday, November 13, 2020, Long-Term Care Facilities (SNF, ICF, ALF and RCF) that are reporting point of care antigen testing results into the NHSN portal, no longer need to duplicate that reporting via the DHSS secured file transfer.

At this time, DHSS asks that long-term care facilities report all positive staff and resident results, for POC and PCR testing, via the Electronic COVID-19 Case Reporting portal to ensure timely notification to DRL and DCPH for outbreak assistance.

DHSS is working on comprehensive guidance for all long-term care communities related to reporting requirements. If you have any questions related to this, please contact tracy.niekamp@health.mo.gov.

COVID 19 Status Update

Posted on

The White House Task Force Report for the week ending November 8 indicates Missouri remains in the red zone for new cases. Missouri continues to experience high levels of community transmission and our test positivity continues to set new records, currently above 15%. The attached table details the specific data elements and their thresholds to determine the state/county categories.

Cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities continue to increase in Missouri and nationwide. As cold weather settles in and individuals continue to gather-many indoors, without masks or proper social distancing – Missouri and the nation is experiencing an exponential increase in new cases. Per the White House Task Force, all communities, experiencing high volumes of new cases and high test positivity rate (such as Missouri) should take the following actions:

  • Do not gather without a mask with individuals living outside of your household.
  • Always wear a mask in public places.
  • Stop all gatherings beyond immediate household until cases and test positivity decrease significantly.

Based on this methodology, for the week ending November 8th:

  • Missouri remains in the red zone for new cases, meaning Missouri reported more than 101 new cases per 100,000 population for the week ending November 8th.
    • Missouri had the 16th highest rate of new cases per 100,000 population in the US with 345 new cases per 100,000 population last week.  The US rate was 209 cases per 100,000 population.
      • This data is significantly worse than our prior ranking and new case rate reported last week (ranked 19th with 257 new cases per 100,000 population).
    • Louis County, Jackson County, and St. Charles County had the highest total cases for Missouri over the last three weeks representing 32% of new cases in Missouri.
    • 96% of all counties in Missouri have high to moderate levels of community transmission (red, orange, or yellow zone) up from 91% the prior period.
      • 86% of Missouri counties have high levels of community transmission (red zone)—up from 76% reported the prior period.
    • Missouri remains in the red zone for test positivity with a rate of 16.9%, up significantly from 13.3% the prior period.
      • Missouri has the 8th highest test positivity rate in the US.  The national positivity rate was 8.4%–up from the 6.7% reported the prior period.
      • To be in the green zone with controlled community spread, Missouri would need a test positivity rate of less than 5%.
    • Missouri remains in the red zone for deaths for the week ending November 8th. Missouri reported 207 deaths during this timeframe and a rate of 3.4 per 100,000 population. This is down from the prior period – 232 deaths and a rate of 3.8 per 100,000 population.
    • Hospitalizations continue to be a concern in Missouri and increased significantly from the prior period. Hospital capacity is a real concern. Between October 31- Nov 6, on average 232 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 225 patients with suspected COVID-19 were reported as newly admitted each day to Missouri hospitals (prior period was 182 confirmed and 217 suspected).
      • On average, more than 95% of Missouri hospitals reported either confirmed or suspected patients admitted each day during this period.

High community transmission of COVID-19 continues to be observed in every region in the state with 26 metro areas and 99 counties falling in the red zone for new cases over the last three weeks (listed below, sorted by the number of new cases in the last three weeks, from highest to lowest)—up from 23 metros and 87counties the prior period. Please note, localities with fewer than 10 cases in the last week have been excluded.

High levels of community transmission are especially prevalent in smaller urban counties and rural counties in Missouri. Given the severity of COVID-19 throughout Missouri, we strongly encourage all Missourians and all essential businesses to wear masks, practice social distancing, increase hand washing, seek testing when needed, stay home if ill and comply with quarantine protocols as appropriate. With the unrelenting spread and increase in hospitalizations, individuals should also avoid gatherings with people outside of their household – especially during the holiday season. These steps are crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19 within our communities.

All Missourians and businesses, but especially those in locations listed above, are strongly encouraged to practice the following:

  • Wear a mask if you will be in public.
    • CDC recommends wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of distance from others.
  • Practice social distancing at home.
    • Limit trips to stores and avoid dining in at restaurants. Avoid large gatherings (including holiday celebrations), even those with family that do not live in your home.
  • Practice social distancing at work.
    • Remain six feet away from individuals as much as possible. Do not congregate in groups for meetings, lunches, breaks, or after work.
  • Practice good hand hygiene frequently.
    • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
  • Increase efforts to clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
    • Wipe down door handles, phones, remotes, etc. with regular household cleaner.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and be alert for symptoms in yourself, family and friends.
    • Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/smell, chills, headache, fatigue, etc.
  • If you or someone in your family are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should stay home and contact a healthcare provider regarding testing or medical care.

Recommended Measures to Limit False Positive Results with COVID-19

Posted on

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has issued a health update notification to Missouri clinicians, physicians, laboratories, congregate care facilities, and k-12 schools regarding the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions when using antigen tests for COVID-19.

Recommended Measures to Limit False Positive Results with COVID-19 Antigen Tests

AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network

Posted on

Project ECHO is actively recruiting nursing homes around the country to join an interactive community of practice to advance improvements in COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control.

Supported by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), the AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network is open to any Medicare or Medicaid-certified nursing home across the country at no cost.

The program matches nursing homes with local hospitals, QIOs and professional associations, who conduct weekly hour-long interactive learning and problem-solving sessions with the nursing homes over a four-month period. The mentor organizations also provide on-demand technical assistance to nursing homes in their cohort. Nursing homes receive a $6000 honorarium for participation in the program.

Please see the documents below for more info. Additional information may be found at AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network.

Nursing Home HLAN FAQ
Nursing Home HLAN Info

For questions, or a list of mentor sites, please email: ECHOnursinghomes@salud.unm.edu.

 

Free COVID-19 testing opportunities available throughout Missouri

Posted on

The State of Missouri continues to host community testing events throughout the state each week.

Missourians can register for these events currently scheduled at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.

Missouri residency is the only requirement; individuals do not have to live in the county in which they are tested, and they do not have to be experiencing symptoms. Any Missouri residents who wish to be tested with a self-administered nasal swab to determine if they have an active COVID-19 infection can do so at the specified sites in each region at no cost to the individual.

County

Location

City

Dates

Times

Dunklin

Dunklin County Health Department

Kennett

November 14

9AM – 1PM

St. Louis County

Edger M. Queeny Park

St. Louis

November 17

8AM – 5PM

Callaway

54 Country

Fulton

November 17

10AM – 6PM

St. Louis County

Hazelwood Community Center

Hazelwood

November 18

8AM – 5PM

Marion

Hannibal Inn & Conference Center

Hannibal

November 18

12PM – 6PM

St. Louis County

Kennedy Recreation Center

St. Louis

November 19

8AM – 3PM

Butler

Whitely Park

Poplar Bluff

November 20

12PM – 6PM

Pettis

MO State Fairgrounds Sheep Barn

Sedalia

November 20

11AM – 5PM

Madison

Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department

Fredericktown

November 21

11AM – 3PM

Montgomery

Old Settlers Picnic Grounds

New Florence

November 21

11AM – 5PM

Register for testing at:
www.health.mo.gov/communitytest
or call (877) 435-8411

 

Surge Testing
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also announced free COVID-19 surge testing that will continue each week in the following:

Columbia (Mondays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Branson (Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
St. Louis (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Cape Girardeau (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
Lee’s Summit (Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Testing at these locations is available to individuals 5 years and older – including those experiencing symptoms; those who believe they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 coronavirus; and anyone who is worried about possibly having the virus. Individuals seeking testing do not need to be a resident of the community where these testing sites are located. Individuals under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian present to consent to testing.

Testing is expected to continue at the following locations for the remainder of this year. Individuals are encouraged to pre-register online at DoINeedaCovid19Test.com.

More information regarding COVID-19 in Missouri can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Conversations with Carmen

Posted on

November 20, 2020: CHOICE: New Ideas to Enhance Resident Life in Tough Times
Guest: Linda Bump, MPH, RD, with Host Carmen Bowman

As we all struggle to get through these tough days, we each turn to things that give us comfort – in all areas of our lives. We relive great memories, try to maintain rituals that have meaning to us, and of course, food is always on the list. That’s what “comfort food” is all about, and it’s different for each person. All of this is just as true for your residents. The simple approach of knowing specifically what brings daily pleasure to each resident and honoring true choice for them can brighten their day – and brightening our residents’ lives is what brightens every committed caregiver’s day, too.

Perhaps the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting isolation has awakened in us something primal and universal: a deep interest in food. We see it everywhere. The explosion of cooking and culinary shows on television, Netflix and the internet, food blogs, recipe and cooking sites… We can bring that interest in food into our communities. Food is fascinating, so let’s find ways for residents to experience the food conversations happening everywhere, and perhaps add some new flavor to their days.

Outbreak Testing Data Reporting Changes

Posted on

Effective Friday, November 6, 2020, Long Term Care Facilities no longer need to submit the “Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Testing Spreadsheets” to record outbreak testing via the Redcap portal. Rather than submitting individual resident and staff data to the Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, LTCF will use the same portal (the title will change to Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Outbreak Testing Data Reporting) to report basic data elements for each testing cycle to include:

  • Facility identifying data
  • Date outbreak testing occurred
  • # of residents tested
  • # of staff tested

https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/professionals.php#collapseSix

For questions regarding outbreak testing and reporting, please contact your SLCR regional office  https://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/pdf/LongTermCareRegions.pdf or tracy.niekamp@health.mo.gov.

Federal and State COVID-19 Vaccination Programs

Posted on

The Federal Government and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services have developed COVID-19 vaccination distribution programs and we strongly encourage you to enroll your community in both programs. The federal program focuses on residents and the Missouri program focuses on staff. Enrollment in both programs is essential to ensure residents and staff have access to the COVID-19 vaccine when the vaccine becomes available. Information about the programs, including the enrollment process is below. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about either program.

 

Federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program – Registration deadline TODAY, November 6
The national vaccine distribution program for long-term care residents.

To prepare for the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, the federal government has partnered with pharmacies to distribute and administer the vaccine to residents in long-term care facilities. This program is free of charge and covers all of the reporting requirements associated with the vaccine.

Long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living, residential care, adult day communities, ICF/IIDs and other congregate settings for older adults) have until Friday, November 6th to register with the CDC on how they want to receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Federally certified nursing homes will be able to register through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) website, while other settings (assisted living, residential care, adult day communities and ICF/IIDs) can register at REDcap Sign-Up Form.

We strongly encourage all long-term care facilities to participate and register. This is critical to ensuring our vulnerable residents are among the first to receive a vaccine when it becomes available.

The documents below further explain the program.

Federal Pharmacy Partnerships Program_102620
LTCF Program Overview_Final

 

Missouri COVID-19 Program – Updated Information

In addition to the national vaccine distribution program for long-term care facility residents, the Department of Health and Senior Services has developed a vaccine distribution program for long-term care facility staff.

To accomplish facility staff vaccination there will be three scenarios. Facilities choosing scenario 1 or 2 – information regarding this enrollment process will be distributed in the near future.

  1. Partner with a local pharmacy to provide onsite vaccination of staff;
  2. Partner with a local public health agency to provide vaccine to staff either onsite or offsite; or
  3. Enroll as a COVID-19 vaccination provider using the process described below
  4. Must have to be able to store and administer vaccine (which may be ultra-cold temperatures and doses up to 975)
  5. Facilities will receive vaccine at no cost
  6. Vaccination supplies at no cost
  7. PPE for vaccination at no cost

 

Process for Enrolling as a COVID-19 Vaccination Provider

There is no deadline to enroll in the state COVID-19 vaccination program.

If you have further questions about the Missouri COVID-19 program, please email cv19vaxenroll@health.mo.gov.

NIOSH’s Second EHMR Federal Register Notice Webinar

Posted on

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 1:00 PM EDT – 2:00 PM EDT
NIOSH’s Second Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator (EHMR) Federal Register Notice Webinar

Elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMRs) are reusable respirators that may be worn in a healthcare setting and supplement the supply of disposable respirators available to healthcare workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-in coordination with the Strategic National Stockpile-posted a Federal Register Notice (FRN) titled “A National Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator (EHMR) Strategy for Use in Healthcare Settings During an Infectious Disease Outbreak/Pandemic”.

Through this FRN, NIOSH is seeking input regarding the national distribution plan of purchased EHMRs, as well as identifying potential organizations interested in receiving a portion of these EHMRs with the commitment to provide a report of user acceptability and feasibility of implementation.

NIOSH is seeking organizations including, but not limited to:

  • Hospital systems, individual hospitals, and/or specific hospital units (i.e., emergency department, intensive care units)
  • Outpatient care settings (i.e., offices, clinics, home care, urgent care, rehab centers)
  • Long term care facilities
  • Dental practices
  • First responder organizations (i.e., police, fire, EMS)

To learn more about how your organization can participate in this effort, please join us for a webinar on November 18 from 1:00-2:00pm (ET). NIOSH will provide an overview of EHMRs, a summary of the FRN, expectations of potential participants, next steps, and answer any questions you may have. Registration for the webinar is here.

The Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network ECHO

Posted on

The Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network ECHO is kicking off the week of November 9, 2020 and you are invited to participate!

Medicare and/or Medicaid certified nursing homes that actively participate in the Network can receive up to $6,000 in compensation, along with free CME/CNE/LNHA credits for participating staff.

The Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network ECHO will address the following goals:

  • Keep the virus from entering nursing homes where it has not entered
  • Identify residents and staff who have been infected with the virus early
  • Prevent the spread of the virus between staff, residents and visitors
  • Provide safe and appropriate care to residents with mild and asymptomatic cases
  • Ensure staff have the knowledge, skills and confidence to implement best-practice safety measures to protect residents and themselves
  • Reduce social isolation for residents, families, and staff during these difficult times

The Missouri Telehealth Network (MTN) at the University of Missouri is collaborating with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Project ECHO and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to advance improvements in COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control in nursing homes.

Our goal is to recruit up to 105 nursing homes to participate in this virtual community of practice, where nursing home staff can engage with experts and their peers and share cases for real-time discussion and advice.

MTN will be holding several informational webinars next week to explain the project in further detail, and to answer any questions the organizations may have. Below are links register for each of the webinars. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about this project, and are unable to attend any of the above, please contact Lindsey Beckmann at beckmannli@health.missouri.edu.

CARES Act Funding

Posted on

Updated – 10/26/2020

To: Residential Care Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities, and Assisted Living Facilities

On October 7, 2020, Governor Parson announced $10 million in CARES Act funding to support assisted living, intermediate care, and residential care facilities with uncompensated necessary COVID-19 related expenses. These facilities may submit invoices to the Department of Social Services through an online portal located here https://apps.dss.mo.gov/LongTermCareCovid19Invoices/.

Providers must complete and submit an attestation located on the site.

Please note: Social Services has already been accepting and processing invoices for uncompensated COVID testing costs related to outbreaks and reopening requirements. This is a different, additional reimbursement process and you must complete the new attestation located on the site, in order to submit invoices for other uncompensated necessary COVID-19 related expenses.

If you do not submit the correct attestation, Social Services cannot process your invoice. Invoices must be received by November 15, 2020

Community Testing Opportunities

Posted on

The next round of community testing events will take place in the following counties. Additional events are expected to be scheduled throughout the coming weeks. Missourians can register now for these events at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.

County

Location

City

Dates

Times

Osage

Osage County Fairgrounds

Linn

October 26

8AM – 1PM

Howell

Lybyer Enhanced Technology Center

West Plains

October 27

12PM – 5PM

Cole

First Assembly of God

Jefferson City

October 27

9AM – 5PM

Phelps

Lions Club Den & Park

Rolla

October 28

2PM – 7PM

New Madrid

Public Safety Center

New Madrid

October 29

9AM – 1PM

Greene

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds

Springfield

October 30-31

Oct. 30 9AM – 7PM

Oct. 31 7AM – 4PM

Butler

Whitely Park

Poplar Bluff

October 30

9AM – 5PM

Miller

Eldon Community Center

Eldon

November 2

9AM – 2PM

Moniteau

Moniteau County Fairgrounds

California

November 4

9AM – 2PM

Shelby

Shelby County Fairgrounds

Shelbina

November 6

9AM – 2PM

Buchannan

Heritage Park Softball Complex

St. Joseph

November 7

7AM – 3PM

Scotland

Scotland County Health Department/ Home Health Agency

Memphis

November 7

9AM – 2PM

Register for testing at:
www.health.mo.gov/communitytest
or call (877) 435-8411

New Resource – Dementia Care

Posted on

The California Partnership to Improve Dementia Care has created six resource videos on the topic of COVID-19 and residents living with dementia.

  • Activities for Patients with Dementia: Creative Ideas During COVID-19
  • Coping and Stress Management During a Pandemic
  • COVID-19: Tips for Reducing Emotional Distress in Patients with Dementia
  • How to Reduce Wandering in Patients with Dementia
  • Optimizing Dementia Care in the Era of COVID-19
  • Optimizing Person Centered and Family Dementia Care in the Era of COVID-19

The videos are housed on the link below:
https://www.leadingageca.org/Members/Partners.

Community Testing Opportunities

Posted on

The next round of community testing events will take place in the following counties. Additional events are expected to be scheduled throughout the coming weeks. Missourians can register now for these events at health.mo.gov/communitytest and also continue to check back for future opportunities to be tested at an event nearby.

 

County

Location

City

Dates

Times

St. Charles

The Family Arena

St. Charles

October 16-17

Oct. 16 10AM – 6PM

Oct. 17 8AM – 4PM

Jasper

Missouri State Southern University

Joplin

October 16

10AM – 6PM

Benton

Benton County Health Department

Warsaw

October 17

12PM – 5PM

Jefferson

Hillsboro Civic Center

Hillsboro

October 20

10AM – 7PM

Wright

Tri-County Fairgrounds

Mountain Grove

October 20

9AM – 1PM

Washington

Washington County Ambulance District

Mineral Point

October 21

11AM – 5PM

Dallas

Buffalo Prairie Middle School

Buffalo

October 21

10AM – 2PM

Barton

Cash Savers Grocery Store Parking Lot

Lamar

October 22

1PM – 6PM

Cape Girardeau

Arena Park

Cape Girardeau

October 23

7AM – 5PM

Texas

Brushy Creek Park

Houston

October 23

10AM – 2PM

Register for testing at:
www.health.mo.gov/communitytest
or call (877) 435-8411