Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

steps to obtaining ppe

For a list of TALA Industry Partners who provided COVID-related services, please click here.

NEWS UPDATES

8/23/2021 FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine; Pfizer Vaccine now referred to as Comirnaty.
8/20/2021 HHSC LTC Regulation published revised COVID-19 Response Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rules (PDF)  The rules address changes in response to Executive Order GA-38 regarding face masks and updated CDC guidance.

Texas HHSC COVID-19 Emergency Rule for ALF Providers Extended

The emergency rule related to COVID-19 vaccination data reporting in assisted living facilities has been extended. The extension took effect on May 11 and will expire on July 9, 2021.

Read the ALF Vaccination Data Reporting Emergency Rule (PDF) at https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/long-term-care/alf/alf-covid-19-vaccination-data-reporting-emergency-rule.pdf

Texas HHSC - ALF Visitation Comparison Table as of 4/12/2021

Vaccine Information & Resources

8/18/2021 FDA Allows Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised. Learn more at:

Texas HHSC Jan. 13 Recording of NF/ALF Vaccination Reporting Requirements Webinar 

Access the webinar at this link:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/2927345667653449479?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Husch Blackwell presentation on legal concerns for employers wanting to mandate vaccination for staff

Thomas Barker, Foley Hoag paper on the current legal landscape from our national partner, Argentum

The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine tool kit for improving staff and resident confidence

The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine PowerPoint on Vaccine Education

EEOC COVID-19 & Vaccines FAQs resource  page: https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws

Requesting Personal Protective Equipment

Responding to COVID-19 has put an enormous strain on the country’s supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 masks, gloves and gowns. Because of the national shortage and prioritization of PPE to acute care settings, long-term care facilities are feeling the pinch. HHSC has an informative website (https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/resources-ltc-providers-request-ppe) specifically for long-term care providers. All communities must attempt to purchase necessary PPE through private distributors. Save copies of emails and responses, because the documentation will be necessary for requesting any PPE from the strategic national stockpile.

The Department of State Health Services is utilizing the state’s 22 Regional Advisory Councils to manage PPE shortages. Assisted Living Communities may request PPEs from their local RACs (find contact information here: https://dshs.texas.gov/emstraumasystems/etrarac.shtm). Long-term care providers need to use the State of Texas Assistance Request (STAR) process, and prioritization for PPE distribution.

The Center for Disease Control put out advice for medical providers regarding the conservation of PPE. Find that information here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html

Changes for Nurses

Governor Greg Abbott has announced several initiatives to increase the pool of nurses able to respond to COVID-19. The Texas Board of Nursing has a webpage dedicated to the changes (https://www.bon.texas.gov/COVID-19.asp).

The City of Austin has announced new control measures for all assisted living communities and nursing homes. Beginning immediately, communities will screen all residents, employees, visitors, and volunteers for elevated temperatures prior to entering the community. http://www.austintexas.gov/news/control-order-issued-combat-spread-covid-19-among-vulnerable-populations

To stay up to date on the Houston area:

City of Houston Health Department :

https://www.houstontx.gov/health/Epidemiology/2019-nCoV.html

Harris County Health:
http://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/Resources/2019-Novel-Coronavirus 

NIH (National Institute of Health)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE LINKS

COVID Resources

Infection Control Basics & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Essential Caregivers

Holiday Visitation Presentation by Carmen Tilton, TALA VP of Public Policy

COVID-19 Emergency Rules - §553.2001 & §553.2003

Texas Department of Emergency Management - Interactive map for finding testing resources: https://tdem.texas.gov

As of 5/11/2021 ALF Provider Letters: 

CMS/CDC COVID-19 trainings are available:

*Note: Descriptions indicate trainings are geared toward NF staff, however, the key principles are also applicable to ALF staff.

Provider Letter 20-38: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/communications/2020/letters/PL2020-38.pdf

Direct Links to COVID-19 Local Health Entities DSHS webpage: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/regions/2019-nCoV-Local-Health-Entities/

Ready to print public awareness materials are available on the TxDSHS and CDC websites.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/images/infographic-symptoms.jpg

https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/docs/CoronavirusAlert-English.pdf

https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/docs/CoronavirusSymptoms-English.pdf

https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/docs/StopSpreadofGerms-English.pdf

CDC example signs for use outside resident room doors for Contact Precautions, Droplet Precautions, and Airborne Precautions

https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/basics/transmission-based-precautions.html#anchor_1564058318

Texas.gov has posted a link to help Front Line workers find child care and support in their area. Please click on this link to access: https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/index.html

Other Resources:

Texas HHSC & DSHS Publish LTC COVID-19 Vaccination Options

Types of Testing for COVID-19 - Texas Department of State & Health Services

Click here

Texas Department of State Health Services - Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

Texas HHSC Emergency Preparedness rules & regulations for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities

https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=26&pt=1&ch=553&rl=44

COVID-19 Healthcare Planning Checklist

https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/COVID19/Documents/COVID-19%20Healthcare%20Planning%20Checklist.pdf

CDC guidance on implementing recommended infection prevention practices FREE online course - The Nursing Home Infection Preventionzist Training: https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/training.html

World Health Organization Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Health Care Coalitions across the US for emergency disaster response:

https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/hpp/Pages/find-hc-coalition.aspx

Child Care Options for Frontline Workers: https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/index.html

TALA will continue to monitor and provide updates to state, large county and large city orders. However, things are changing at a very rapid pace. We implore providers to follow the posted links to check for updates and to check for orders in smaller counties and cities.