Research on SNFs and COVID-19. New, as-yet-unpublished research by two Ivy League academicians looked into correlations between various factors and COVID-19 cases in SNFs. Separate studies by Dr. Vincent Mor and Dr. David Grabowski found that the key determinants are large facility size, urban setting, and the extent of cases in the general community. Other variables such as star rating, previous infection control deficiencies, ownership type, and Medicaid census do not matter. Dr. Grabowski was quoted as saying on a recent webinar, “[i]t’s about where you are and not who you are.” See a Provider magazine article for more on this research.

Meanwhile, AHCA released polling data showing broad public support for the notion that more government backing for SNFs is needed and for AHCA's proposal for a SNF-specific allocation within the Provider Relief Fund.

OHCA testifies on liability protection bills. This morning, OHCA offered proponent testimony in concurrent House and Senate committee hearings on House Bill (HB) 606 and Senate Bill (SB) 308, respectively. Both bills are liability protection measures spurred by COVID-19 and both contain health care language that OHCA helped develop, although the two similar bills have some differences. The legislation applies to all types of long-term services and supports providers. They also include general business liability provisions. See this link for OHCA SB 308 testimony; our prepared remarks on HB 606 were similar.

ANCOR briefing: The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) will hold a virtual congressional briefing tomorrow, May 14, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. The briefing is part of ANCOR’s campaign, “Forgotten Faces: Understanding the Human and Fiscal Impact of COVID-19 on Disability Supports.” The congressional briefing will consist of a panel of providers and ANCOR staff who will share experiences of disability services, results of the ANCOR fiscal impact survey, and solutions Congress can implement to ensure people with disabilities are supported during the COVID-19 emergency. Register here to participate. 

Still more blanket waivers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a few more blanket section 1135 waivers. The latest set of waivers include reducing feeding assistant training requirements, relaxing Life Safety Code standards for alcohol-based hand rubs, fire drills, and temporary structures, and allowing dialysis at remote sites such as facilities. See the CMS catalogue of waivers and look for the items marked in red for more details. Unfortunately, the CMS waivers do not lift Ohio licensure requirements for feeding assistants and fire drills. OHCA will address those items with the Health Department.

CMS releases SNF COVID-19 toolkit for states. CMS published a new document entitled "Toolkit on State Actions to Mitigate COVID-19 Prevalence in Nursing Homes." Compiled by the nation's Quality Improvement Organizations, the document lists COVID-19-related actions the states have taken that affect SNFs. These actions are broken down into areas such as testing, cohorting, and personal protective equipment. While intended as a toolkit for states that may want to replicate steps others are taking, the compendium also may be interesting to providers who wish to see how various issues are being handled elsewhere.

Part B therapy coding changes. CMS removed a number of Part B therapy claim coding edits. This occurred through a National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) update dealing with COVID-19 that applies to dates of service beginning April 1, 2020. In addition to Medicare, many other payers utilize the CCI. For further information, see the updated files on the PTP Coding Edit webpage and the Quarterly PTP and MUE Version Update Changes webpage.