Blog
Profile: Danielle Watford
Danielle Watford, MS, MS-IO, CME-OE, has dedicated her career to the improvement and sustainability of Maine’s long-term care providers. Currently serving as the Director of Quality Improvement and Regulatory Affairs for Maine Health Care Association, she has committed to serving as a resource for providers with an expertise in quality improvement, regulatory application, and advocacy. She holds a master’s degree in both clinical psychology and industrial organizational psychology and has served as a nursing home and assisted living resource throughout the state. Ms. Watford has sixteen years’ experience in long term care quality with an expertise in QAPI implementation, LTC quality measures, and an overwhelming and somewhat twisted love of data and data reporting strategies. She is LEAN SIX SIGMA green belted and is certified as a Manager of Quality in the category of Organizational Excellence. To reach Danielle via email: dwatford@mehca.org
- Login Count: 272
- Join Date: 21/16/2019 15:00:00
- Last on: 10/06/2022 14:40:48
- Website: www.mehca.org
- Location: Maine Health Care Association
- Articles posted by this author:
- Notes from ME DHHS Medical Directors Call 10/04/2022
- CMS/CDC Guidance Changes Summary
- CMS Rescinds enforcement discretion for use of non-FDA approved POC Antigen tests
- Ever wondered about the Quality Award Program?
- CMS revises SOM to reflect recent changes to QSO-20-38 and QSO-20-39
- AHCA Offers Webinar to provider overview of recent CDC/CMS changes
- FREE ENROLLMENT AVAILABLE FOR MEMORY LANE TV
- NCAL releases the 2022 edition of the “Assisted Living State Regulatory Review”
- AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is Open
- CMS Call on Emergency Preparedness on September 27
- Maine’s Cabinet on Aging hosts two virtual listening sessions to hear from older adults
- Maine DHHS holds webinar on planning for the end of the PHE
- CMS Releases draft version of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive (NC)
- COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Booster Approved
- Maine CDC updates Availability of COVID POC Testing Kits
- CMS Revises QSO-22-15 to clarify TNA waiver eligibility
- CMS provides additional details on staff ratios
- HealthCap® offers free webinar on Arbitration Agreements on Tuesday, August 23 at 2 p.m. EDT
- Call to Action: CMS/CDC Needs to Hear from YOU!
- Reminder: SNF QRP Submission Deadline is August 15
- eConsult offers Remote Specialty Providers
- Assisted Living Homes can now access free COVID-19 testing for staff & residents
- Pay Close Attention to Your PBJ Submissions
- Relocation of Maine HETL
- Life Safety POC Requirements Reminder
- CMS Releases final rule on FY 2023 SNF Prospective Payment System
- CMS releases proposed rule that would reinstate gender identity, sexual orientation protections
- NHSN Clarifies Definition of Up to Date Vaccination Status
- Updated Technical User's Guide includes PBJ Turnover Measures
- National State of Emergency Extended
- Maine CDC Needs Your Feedback
- CMS Releases released an updated Technical User’s Guide to the Nursing Home Five-Star system
- CDC Updates Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Nursing Homes
- AHCA Releases Detailed Overview of New and Updated CMS Guidance
- CMS Releases Updated State Surveyor Guidance
- NHSN Modifies 'Up to Date' definitions for LTC Reporting Requirements
- CMS Releases Updates to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Policy Manual
- CBIC Launches BETA Testing for IPC Certification: FREE Opportunity
- CDC/NHSN Webinar on Changes for Up-to-Date Vaccination Status: June 23, 2022
- CMS Releases Memo on Staff Vaccination Requirement Compliance
- AHRQ Seeks CNAs Working in Nursing Homes — Receive $150
- AHRQ Seeking Nursing Homes for Pilot Study of SOPS Workplace Safety Survey Items
- Stay Up to Date on CDC Recommendations and CMS Requirements
- TRI during Probable or Confirmed Outbreaks
- NHSN Revisions to COVID-19 Modules
- CMS Updates to QSO-20-41 Emergency Preparedness Exercise Exemption
- Infection Prevention Reminders: Outbreak Definitions, HCW Isolation/RTW, and Testing Reporting
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute Survey Participants Needed
- Waivers: What is and is not in effect
- AHRQ Seeks Nursing Homes for Pilot Study: Up to $1500 Offered for participation!
- Maine LTCOP Seeks Your Feedback
- MHCA and Maine DHHS Strongly Encourage Waiver Requests
- Counterfeit At-Home Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests
- REMINDER: CMS Comments on FY 2023 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule (CMS 1765-P) DUE BY June 5th, 2022
- AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program OPEN NOW!
- Your latest RESIDENT PROFILE REPORT is available NOW!
- FRIDAY May 7th - End of Waivers
- Requesting Waivers for Physician Delegation/Visits
- Why is Maine still trending RED?
- CMS Needs to Hear From You!
- No Surprise Act: Free Webinar on the new IDR process
- HHS/CMS Releases New Data on Hospital and Nursing Home Ownership
- Notice of Final Statewide Transition Plan (STP) for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings
- HETL Available to Members for Surveillance Testing
- SNF Proposed Payment Rule Webinar recording is available now
- The ending of pandemic era waivers means what exactly?
- QSO-22-15-NH leave many scratching their heads
- CMS Ends Certain COVID Waivers
- Maine CDC asks for your Feedback
- CMS Releases Updated Guidance to Interim Vaccination Rule
- CDC Updates Guidance for COVID Vaccine Boosters
- Be in the KNOW: Subscribe to CMS QSO listservs and never miss an update
- MHCA Provides Feedback to US Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- FREE Listening Session – Older Adults from Maine’s LGBTQ+ Community
- Fire Marshal Updates POC Submission Protocol
- BEAM Begins Enrollment and Kickoff
- ME OADS and the University of Missouri-KC Introduce 'Charting the LifeCourse' (CtLC)
- Maine CDC asks for your Feedback
- AHCA/NCAL Releases Report Highlighting Quality of Care in Nursing Homes
- Quality Measures Thresholds Set to Change in April 2022
- How Do They Calculate County Transmission?
- CMS Updates Guidance on Routine Testing of non 'up-to-date' staff members
- KEPRO Releases Updated Appeals Notification System
- CMS Releases Guidance and Tools for the end of the PHE
- MHCA Seeks Feedback: Proposed Changes to Rules Regarding Delegation by RNs of Selected Nursing Tasks to Certified Nursing Assistants
- CDC’s New COVID-19 Prevention Measures DO NOT APPLY to Us or our Visitors
- Biden Announces Swift Changes to Nursing Home Regulatory Compliance
- CMS releases Skilled Nursing Facility Web Pricer
- Life Safety Code and Fire Safety Tips from AHCA/NCAL
- Notice of Agency Rule-making Adoption: 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter VII, Section 5, Estate Recovery
- Maine DHHS holds Direct Care and Support Worker Listening Sessions
- CMS Releases Guidance on Implementing Additional Precautions for Unvaccinated Staff Under CMS Vaccine Mandate
- CMS Releases ICF/IID COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey Tool for Acute and Continuing Care Providers and Suppliers (QSO-21-08-NLTC REVISED)
- CMS Makes Nursing Home COVID-19 Booster Vaccination Data Available Online
- Your newest Top-Line Report Available Now!
- MHCA Quick Links Resource Page
- CDC releases updated infection prevention and control guidance
- CMS updates Nursing Home Visitation FAQs
- Maine DHHS ends staffing ratio waiver
- Notes from ME DHHS Medical Directors Call 02/01/2022
- CMS issue reminder on COVID-19 staff vaccinations
- National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call, February 2, 2022 @ 3:00pm ET
- CMS requires vaccination for on-site surveyors
- Maine CDC Changes Outbreak Definitions
- Maine DHHS releases new crisis staffing guidance
- CDC Webinar TODAY: Quarantine and Isolation Guidance
- Avoiding NHSN Data Reporting Errors: AHCA Resource Tool Available
- CMS updates LTC Visitation Guide for Families/Residents during Omicron Surge
- Maine CDC releases HAN recommending suspension of some mAb treatment options
- CMS adds staff turnover measures to Five Star Rating
- REMINDER: MEMA PPE/Testing Supply Requests
- CMS Release NEW FAQ on Visitation Guidelines
- Notes from ME DHHS Medical Directors Call 1/4/2022
- CDC updates isolation and quarantine recommendations for the public
- OSHA comment deadline approaching: January 19, 2022
- COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Information for Long Term Care & Assisted Living Facilities
- Penobscot County PPE Supplies
- CMS Releases Surveyor Guidance on LTC Vaccine Mandate
- AHCA releases updated information on Boosters and recorded townhall with U.S. DHHS
- LTC Townhall with HHS Sec. Xavier Becerra on Omicron/Boosters: Co-sponsored by AHCA/NCAL
- OSHA Withdraws Healthcare ETS
- CDC Updates Return to Work Guidance
- Maine DHHS/CDC releases mAb toolbox
- Maine DHHS releases updated testing guidance
- Follow up from recent CDC/DHHS Med. Directors Call 12/7/21
- Maine Healthcare Coalitions Release Holiday Newsletter: Important Member News Included
- Christmas/New Year’s Holiday Vaccine Ordering Cadence
- CMS Updates Blanket Waivers with 1135 Waiver for Directors of Food and Nutrition Services
- COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment: MaineCare Member Frequently Asked Questions
- Maine OADS Meeting Notes: 12/08/2021
- AHCA Offers Office Hours: Discussing Interim Vaccine Mandate and Injuction
- Maine ENDS Monthly Vaccine Reporting Requirement
- CMS hits pause on federal vaccine mandate enforcement
- DHHS releases guidance memo aligning visitation with federal regulations
- Template COVID Vaccine Policy/Procedure
- DLC Memo: Staffing Ratio Waiver Request
- Maine Releases FINAL Rule for Chapter 264: Immunization Requirements for Healthcare Workers
- CDC Updates Guidance to allow the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech to be given as an additional primary dose or booster dose
- CMS Releases Updated Visitation Guidance
- ME CDC Extends the Use of Rapid Antigen Testing Supplies
- Maine CDC to offer Antibiotic Awareness Week Podcast
- Updated Moderna and Janssen Booster Materials
- CMS Releases final rule extending COVID Reporting Requirement for SNFs
- CDC releases updated recommendations for COVID-19 booster shots
- HRSA Extends PRF Application Window and Provides Phase 4 and Rural CHOW Guidance
- Notes from ME DHHS Medical Directors Call 10/19/2021
- AHCA Provides Summary of HRSA Phase 4 Rural Distribution Webinar
- HHS Extends Public Health Emergency
- AHCA Updates 3-Day Stay Waiver Guidance
- NHSN Temporarily Pauses SAMS Level 3 Requirement for Reporting COVID-19 Vaccination Data
- Updated VISs Available Now!
- MHCA seeks your voice in continued advocacy!
- The latest Your Resident Profile publications for skilled nursing centers in your state are now available!
- Maine DHHS Releases Workforce Toolkit
- Emotional PPE: A Free Resource for Staff: No Cost. No Insurance. Just a Trained Professional to Talk To
- Maine DLC Releases Revised Guidance Documents
- Resource Links from Maine CDC/DHHS
- Maine COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Reminders
- CMS Launches New Medicare.gov Tool to Compare Nursing Home Vaccination Rates
- Notes from Today's (09/21/2021) Maine DHHS MD Call
- CDC to Fund Infection Control Strike Teams
- OSHA to Release ETS on Vaccine Mandates
- National Quality Award Intent to Apply Now Open
- Co-Administration Guidance of COVID and Influenza Vaccines
- Maine Board of Nursing Releases Updates to Chapter 5: Regulations related to CNA delegation and training
- FREE Webinar to review changes to the Weekly NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Data Collection
- CDC Releases Updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes
- Revisions to QSO 20-38-NH REVISED 09/10/2021
- COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Guidance
- PFIZER Expiration Extension is Only for Vaccine in Ultra-Cold Storage
- Assessing Immunity to Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Webinar Recording Available: Vaccine Mandate Best Practices
- Complete AHCA/NCAL’s Survey on Staffing, Vaccine Mandates, and Financial Issues
- Note From the Maine DHHS Medical Directors Call (Tuesday September 7, 2021)
- AHCA leads coalition advocating for immigration prioritization of HCWs in light of staffing crisis
- Write and submit an email to CMS on the Nursing Home Staff Vaccination Mandate by Friday, September 3rd
- The latest Your Top-Line report is NOW available for your home
- 2021-2022 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Available September 1, 2021
- CMS & CDC Offer SNF/NF Stakeholder Update: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 4:00pm-4:30pm ET
- FDA Grants Full Approval to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- CDC Recommends COVID Vaccine during Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Maine Immunization Program Update for Providers
- Action Plan and Resource Documents for Vaccine Requirement
- Biden Mandates COVID Vaccine in Nursing Homes
- Delta Variant: What You Need to Know
- Use of Additional COVID Vaccine Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals
- The latest 'Your AL Top-Line' publications for assisted living homes are now available
- New Process for Requesting PPE and Testing Supplies in Maine
- Congratulations Maine Veterans Home-Bangor on your GOLD Quality Award
- Highlights from Today's (08/10/21) Maine CDC/DHHS Medical Director's Call
- CMS postpones PDPM pay cuts, shaves 2022 PPS pay rates to 1.2%
- NHSN Changes to COVID Vaccine Reporting
- SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Data Submission Deadlines Approach
- Reminder: County Positivity Rates Still Apply
- Maine Mandatory Vaccination Reporting Update to Timing of Submission
- REMINDER: 1135 Waiver of 3-Day Stay still in effect
- NEW Immunization Requirements for HCWs
- Extension of the federal public health emergency
- CMS Final Rule Outlines Requirements for E-prescribing of Controlled Substances
- OSHA has extended the comment period for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards released June 21, 2021
- Quality Reporting Program: Non-Compliance Letters for FY 2022 APU
- Calling all AHCA/NCAL BRONZE APPLICANTS: Pre-Conference Work Session Registration Available NOW!
- FDA Revokes EUA for Decontaminated Disposable Respirators
- End of State Based Blanket Waivers
- REMINDER: Maine CDC Survey on AMS Programs in LTC
- LD 784-Update to CNA Education Program Requirements
- MeMDA Seeks Your Input on Current Vaccine Strategies
- REMINDER: FREE Respiratory Protection Plan Education July 14, 2021
- OSHA ETS public comment period open thru July 21st, 2021
- Maine Board of Nursing Releases Proposed Rule Change: Public Comment Thru July 9th
- Expanded Testing Options for SNF NOW AVAILABLE thru HETL
- Comply with OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards by July 6
- CMS Updates Emergency Preparedness Guidance: QSO-20-41
- Reminder: Communication during transitions still critical to protecting against COVID-19
- Maine State of Emergency Ends: Waivers Under Review
- Get Your Questions About the Vaccine Answered at the #GetVaccinated Virtual Townhall
- Blanket Waivers: What Remains and What is ending
- Governor Mills Announces State of Civil Emergency To End June 30th: What does this mean for us?
- Fines to begin June 21st for missed NHSN Vaccination Reporting
- Maine CDC Asks for your Participation in ASP Survey
- Guidelines for Implementing Required Vaccinations
- AHCA develops After-Action Report (AAR) Template for Homes to use in their EP Plans
- Congratulations Windward Gardens!
- Nominations open for Champion of Quality Award
- FREE Resource Guide on Vaccination Confidence Document
- FREE Respiratory Protection Training July 14, 2021
- Changes to NON-NIOSH approved respirators
- Facilities over 10+ Residents can have a vaccine clinic!
- Free Webinar Discusses Skilled Nursing’s Pandemic-Related Regulatory Risks
- Vaccine Reporting Requirements: CMPs to start June 14
- REMINDER: Reporting Potential Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
- FREE Population Health Management Education Available to AHCA Members
- Communal Dining: To mask or not to mask
- LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: Fire Marshal Q&A Friday May 21, 2021 10-11:30am
- REMINDER: Resident Drop In Calls with Dr. Susan Wehry
- UPDATE: LTCOP Family Visitation Webinar to be recorded this week!
- Your latest Top-Line publication is now available!
- Maine updates table guidance on testing, visitation, and community engagement
- CMS Guidance on Medicare Advantage Disenrollment of Nursing Facility Residents
- Now Available for SNP QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar
- Vaccines AVAILABLE!
- Maine LTCOP to offer drop in calls for residents
- MHCA Offers Fire Marshal Town Hall: May 21, 2021
- TIP SHEET AVAILABLE: 10-144 CMR Ch. 264 Immunization Requirements for Healthcare Workers
- Updated Guidance Released on Testing, Visitation, and Activities
- UPDATED Maine Community Engagement Table for A&B Group Facilities
- ADOPTED: 10-144 CMR 264, Immunization Requirements For Healthcare Workers Effective 4-14-2021
- National Skilled Nursing Care Week: May 9-15, 2021
- COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) Extended
- FDA/CDC Recommend Transition from Respirator Conservation
- HCCM Offers FREE Emergency Preparedness Training
- Maine DHHS releases clarification on facility testing and visitation
- AHCA provides Communal Dining Guidance to LTC Homes
- Follow up webinar scheduled: OSHA COVID-19 National Emphasis Program (NEP)
- Your *NEW* Facility Resident Profile Report Available NOW!
- NEW Training Video for MDS (PHQ-9©) and D0300
- SAVE THE DATE: Visitation Webinar for Families and Residents Coming Soon!
- New COVID-19 Program Available to Honor Staff
- CDC Releases PPE Burn Rate Calculator and Updates Infection Control Recommendations 03/30/2021
- Common questions members are asking about visitation: 03/25/2021
- Senior Loneliness: Restrictions are lifting but the challenge remains
- CMS Webinar on Annual Payment Update (APU): MARCH 30, 2021
- Visitation – Graphic for Loved Ones Available
- CMS Updates Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes
- DLC Will No Longer Remind Nursing Homes of POC Deadlines
- Mills Releases COVID-19 The Moving Maine Forward Plan
- Maine Indoor Air Quality Council (MIAQC) provides resource information for Maine Facilities
- BEAM seeks your input