COVID-19 Uptick Continues in Ohio. Despite escalating efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the trend toward higher case numbers continues. Today saw 1,396 new cases, with 40 deaths, 128 hospitalizations, and 25 intensive care unit admissions, all of which are above the 21-day averages. In long-term services and supports, the past week saw a 206-case (15.7%) jump in facility-associated (ICF/IID, SNF, assisted living community) cases to 1,519, the highest current case level since the week ending June 4.
SNF Staff Testing Webinar Materials. The Health Department posted the slides and recording of yesterday's webinar on mandatory repeat testing of staff in SNFs to its Testing in Nursing Homes web page. The frequently-asked questions and testing guidelines have not been updated yet to reflect the repeat testing program that starts next week. There are a number of unanswered questions relating to matters that were handled one way for the baseline staff testing program - for example, staff members who cannot be present on the designated testing day - but will need to be answered differently in the context of bi-weekly repeat testing. We also have not yet received any more detail on the assisted living testing program covered in yesterday's COVID-19 Update.
DUNS Number for CRF Portal? We reported last night that the Office of Budget and Management changed their webinar slides for the state's Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) portal to specify that applicants for CRF funding must enter a Dun and Bradstreet DUNS number. We subsequently found that OBM added this clarification to the portal web page:
For providers that have a DUNS (Dun and Bradstreet) number, then that will be required to be entered as well. Those providers that do not have a DUNS should enter “0” in the field to ensure completion of the registration. Providers that enter a “0” and receive a payment of over $50,000 will be required to secure a DUNS and register the number with the System of Award Management (SAM) within 30 days of receipt of funds. That number must be e-mailed to CRFprovider@obm.ohio.gov with the subject Provider DUNS Information. Providers will be contacted if this information is not received as it impacts federal reporting by the state. Under this clarification, providers who applied before the DUNS requirement came out do not have to reapply. We question whether a DUNS number truly is required for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, as the portals for the Provider Relief Fund, also part of CARES, do not require a DUNS number. In the meantime, if you do not have a DUNS number, you may apply at this web page. Providers have to apply for a separate number for each location, but the website says a response should be sent within one business day. We hear differing opinions about the ease of applying.
DODD Offers COVID-19 Provider Support Virtual Meeting. The Department of Developmental Disabilities will hold a Microsoft Teams meeting on Wednesday August 5, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., in which providers, including two OHCA members, will share their experiences with managing positive COVID-19 cases. DD providers interested in participating can Join Microsoft Teams Meeting or dial 614-721-2972 and enter conference ID 893350422#.