Ford Motor Company provides face shields. Ford Motor Company currently is donating face shields to long-term services and supports providers in need! The donation request application is available here. Ford will fulfill as many requests as possible, and several OHCA members already have received shipments. In addition, you will find on the site information about joining the waitlist for reusable gowns (minimum order 3,204, price $15 each).
Be careful with N95 respirators. N95 respirators are considered top of the line for respiratory protection in long-term services and supports, but certain models can be dangerous when used incorrectly. N95s with valves allow exhaled breath to escape freely into the atmosphere. Accordingly, they should not be used when in contact with people who do not have COVID-19. An asymptomatic but positive staff member could transmit the virus by using a valved N95. These respirators should be used only when caring for a person who is confirmed or suspected to be COVID-positive (e.g., in a COVID unit). An N95 respirator that does not have a valve can be used to care for a non-COVID patient, but a more economical way to achieve source control is to use a surgical mask or even a cloth face covering. N95s also normally should be fit-tested, but that is not practical unless a consistent make and model is used.
PPP certifications. Two new frequently-asked questions added to the end of the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) compendium address the required certification that a Paycheck Protection Program borrower needs the loan to support their ongoing operations. The SBA will deem the certification by any borrower (together with affiliates) of less than $2 million as having been made in good faith and also is giving other borrowers until May 18 to repay their loans without having the good faith of their certifications questioned.
Clarification of BELTSS online CE rule. The Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports announced in March that they are allowing licensees to obtain all of their required continuing education credits through online learning until December 31, 2020. This applies to licensees with renewal dates of January 1, 2021, or earlier (e.g., July 1 or October 1, 2020), but it does not apply to licensees with renewal dates of April 1, 2021, or after.
Caregiver and personal stress in the face of COVID-19. Since early March, members have faced uncertainty, increased regulations, staffing issues, and many other challenges, but they have persevered. Recognizing the trying times you and your team are experiencing, we scheduled two webinars in June on coping with stress. "Embrace the Glorious Mess That is You" (June 3) and "Becoming More Resilient in Times of Uncertainty and Exhaustion" (June 18) will be beneficial for your entire team. Registration to the live event and for continuing education credits is on a per-person basis for a fee, but all registrants will receive a free recording (no credits) to share with others.
Registration:
Embrace the Glorious Mess That is You
Becoming More Resilient in Times of Uncertainty and Exhaustion