Nursing homes are on the front-line in the fight against COVID-19. In the mist of the challenges that come with being on the front-line, nursing homes are facing the necessity of public health reporting while working to implement prevention and preparedness guidance, and keep up with ever changing expectations and mandates. Sometimes that is easier said than done!
We were on a national call earlier this week regarding “proposed” regulation regarding Rapid Antigen Testing.
Just last night, we received notification that a government issued testing device will be sent directly to our facility for in house COVID-testing at some point.
All ready this afternoon, CMS issued an interim final rule with requirements for routine testing to begin in nursing homes.
This new rule goes into effect today! (Even though we do not have the machine to provide the tests)
Although we do not yet have the testing device or have been prepared to utilize it, we will continue to work tirelessly to navigate through the new regulation, and put measures in place to comply with this new testing mandate. We have reached out to local labs that are also unable to secure tests to assist us in compliance with this new rule due to inability to get testing devices/test kits. We will continue to learn and keep you posted on advancements toward compliance. First things first – for us to comply with the new rule, we will need to receive the testing device and implement policies and safe ability to use the machine. We stand strong in our continued fight against Covid – Throughout this pandemic, do know that we are doing the best we can each day to keep our residents safe during this national crisis. Stay safe out there!
(Attached is an info-graphic regarding the device that our facility is expecting to receive – Please be anticipating a phone call from nursing staff regarding this new testing as we will need to secure physician orders and POA permission to perform routine / P.R.N. Covid testing of residents)