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Call to Action: CMS/CDC Needs to Hear from YOU!

We at MHCA and AHCA/NCAL have heard from countless members that the continued PPE and other related requirements for our facilities don't make sense, are exhausting for staff and financially burdensome. AHCA/NCAL has called on national leaders to update the CDC guidance on PPE, screening, testing, and quarantine for the benefit of our residents and their quality of life and to help our staff.
 
In response the team at AHCA/NCAL has been elevating concerns in the media as well. 
  • Extend the PHE While Updating COVID Protocols, Nursing Home Advocates Urge Feds
  • Senior Living Advocates call for HHS to Evolve Its COVID-19 Guidance
  • Major Nursing Home Association Urges COVID Emergency Extension, Revised Guidance
And they are not alone in calling for these changes. Other public health leaders have made similar calls to action to the CDC.
 
You may have seen last week that the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance for the public. In its press release, the CDC also said the following:
“This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today's update.”
 
Now that we know the CDC is planning to update this guidance AHCA/NCAL renews their ask for your help. A team of AHCA/NCAL members and staff has developed a data driven/common sense plan that would relieve these restrictions when COVID risks are low and align protocols with the current stage of the pandemic.

We need the CDC and CMS to understand how the current guidance is not sustainable and makes it hard on residents, families, and staff.
 
You can help us with this by writing the CDC and CMS on this topic. We encourage you to do so. Letters can be emailed to the CDC and/or CMS:
•             CDC: RochelleWalensky@cdc.gov
•             CMS: DNH_TriageTeam@cms.hhs.gov
If you do send comments, please send a copy to AHCA/NCAL at regulatory@ahca.org.

Staff Contact: dwatford@mehca.org

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