Coronavirus Updates & Resources

Visit this website daily for the latest information that MHCA has to share about COVID-19. As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working with our state partners, including the Maine Centers for Disease Control and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to ensure our member nursing homes and assisted living facilities receive necessary guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.

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MHCA Created Resources

• MHCA Example Testing Policy
• COVID-19 Positive Return to Work Guidance
• Sample Respiratory Protection Plan
• Hand Hygiene Competency
• Basic Infection Prevention Strategies during PPE Shortages
• Top Tens Things to do Once You have a Positive COVID Case
• PPE Optimization During Crisis Levels
• Essential Worker Template Letter
• Five things Your MDS Coordinators Should Know
• MEMA District Liaison Contacts for PPE Requests
• Sample Family Letter-In House Confirmed Case

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Obtaining PPE

• AHCA/NCAL PPE Supplier List (MHCA' group purchasing vendors highlighted in green boxes) (10/22/20)
• MHCA List of Non-FDA Alternative PPE Suppliers (Updated 06/01/20)
• MHCABS GPO Partner Provista/Vizient PPE supply vendors: AMD-Medicom (MS4144 - gowns), ASP Global (MS9070 - face shields, gowns), Encompass Group (MS4145 - gowns), Grainger (recovery kits, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, temperature pass management module & face recognition), Hanes (MS7181 - cloth masks), HR Pharmaceutical (MS5900 - portable handsanitizer), O&M Halyard, Inc. (MS4142 - gowns), PlatinumCode Tourniquet (MS8442 - nitrile gloves), Standard Textile (MS4560 - reusable isolation gowns and masks), Strategic Lab Partners (LB0880 - swabs, transport media and collection kits), Tomahawk/Wildcat (MS9290 - disposable isolation gowns), Tronex International (MS4143 - gowns). For more information about our group purchasing program, or if you need your Provista/Vizient member ID (MID), please contact Dianne Chicoine, Director of Business & Information Services Email: dchicoine@mehca.org Tel: 207.623.1146, ext. 201. 

Proper Use of PPE

• Emory University PDF for proper storage of N95 masks
• Emory University signage getting the most our of N95 masks
• Additional Emory University School of Medicine PDFs for every COVID PPE scenario
• KN95 mask details with link to the CDC on K N95 masks, not NIOSH approved. *Most have ear loops, which make it impossible to achieve an appropriate fit.
• List of Maine Fire Stations Providing Fit Testing
• OSHA Respiratory Physical Exam Questionnaire
• Maine DLC PPE Guidance
• CDC Cloth Face Cover Guidance
• USM No Cost PPE Training (04/10/20)
• Strategies to Optimize PPE
• NIOSH-Approved Respirators
• CDC Guidance for Extended Use and Limited Reuse of N95 respirators in health care settings
• CDC Informational Videos on Proper PPE Usage
• Free N-95 Respirator Education for Direct Care (03/16/20)

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Testing Resources

• Covid Testing Vendors
• FAQ HETL eTOR and Submission of Covid-19 v.1.1
• HETL Lab Web Portal (LWP) Quick Start Guide v.4
• AHCA/NCAL List of COVID-19 Testing Vendors for LTC (12/07/20)
• MHCA Testing Protocol Example Plan (Revised 9/10/20)

Vaccinations

• COVID-19 Vaccines: Get the Facts! (01/28/21)
• CDC COVID Vaccine Updates on Allergic Rxns and Analphylaxsis (12/30/20)
• MHCA Vaccination Update (12/21/20)
• CDC Communication Toolkit
• AMDA Example Letter to Residents and Families (Word file)
• AMDA Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Medical Director Version (Powerpoint file)
• AMDA Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Staff Version (Powerpoint file)
• AMDA QA Covid-19 Vaccine for PALTC
• AMDA Improving Staff Resident Confidence in Covid-19 Vaccine
• Vaccine Information
• Answering Patients’ Vaccine Questions
• COVID-19 Vaccination Program Operational Guidance
• Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
• Pfizer Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet
• Walgreens Support Documents: Facility Tip Sheet and Resident Handout: What to Expect (English/Spanish)
• Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Presentation Slides: December 2020 Meeting​

Testing and Community Engagement Guidance

• Testing and Community Engagement: Testing Examples Table (02/2021)
• Testing and Community Engagement: NF/ICF/AH Guidance Staff Testing (01/26/21)
• Testing and Community Engagement: Table Update (01/26/21)
• HCW Travel Work Restrictions Decision Chart MECDC (09/02/20)

Educational Training Resources

Maine Infection Prevention Forum (More training videos will be posted here soon)

• Respiratory Protection Program & PPE Supply Strategies Tutorial
• Exposure Investigations Tutorial and Checklist

Maine DHHS Guidance

• Maine DLC Clarification on Admissions (01/26/21)
• Maine DLC revised LTC COVID-19 Staffing Guidance (12/08/20)
• Covid-19 Healthcare Risk Reduction Checklist (11/17/20) 
• LTC Covid-19 Self Assessment (11/17/20)
• Memo to Nursing Facilities (11/17/20)
• County Positive Rate Data (CMS)
• Maine DHHS Nursing Facility Covid-19 Testing and Gradual Reopening Guidance (08/07/2020)
• Maine DHHS/CDC LTC Med Directors Call Q&A (04/28/20)
• Maine DLC Staffing/Non Nursing Personnel Guidance (04/28/20)

Survey Resources

• Steps to Prepare for Your HETL Testing
• HETL Lab Web Portal Quick Start Guide Version 3
• Email to coordinate staff testing through Maine HETL Lab: covidtesting@maine.gov
• Maine HETL COVID Swabs and Transport Media Chart
• AHCA Algorithms for Testing
• CDC Specimen Collection Chart
• ME CDC Guidance on Ordering Swabs
• OASH nasal spec fact sheet (all words)
• IDSA table with all types of swabs with instructions (written)
• Anterior Nares collection guide

Visitation Resources

• US CDC & CMS Updates & Clarifications (03/16/21) (PowerPoint file)
• CMS Nursing Home Visits for Families (03/11/21)
• Visitation NF AHF ME DHHS Guidance (03/11/21)

• COVID-19 Focused Survey Tool
• Surveyor Training for COVID-19 IP Focused Survey
• COVID-19 Focused Survey Protocol
• COVID-19 Focused Survey Entrance Conference Worksheet
• Summary Table of COVID-19 Focused Survey

• End to NH Administrator License Waivers March 2021 (02/04/21)
• Maine State 1135 Blanket Waiver (04/24/20)
• CMS COVID-19 Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers (04/23/20) (NF SNF see page 9, ICF IID see page 16)
• State Regulatory Relief (04/04/20)

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Maine CDC 

• IPC Self Assessment (04/09/21) Word file
• Maine CDC Worker Guidance (03/04/21)
• Maine CDC COVID-19 Preparedness Briefing for Congregate Living Facilities on February 10, 2021 (Zoom Link)
• Maine DHHS BinaxNOW Guidance (12/15/20)
• Exposure Investigation Checklist (12/04/20)
• Covid Case Investigators List (11/20/20)
• Maine CDC Respiratory Protection PPE FAQ (11/23/20)
• Maine CDC Covid-19 Preparedness Call for LTC Providers on November 10
• POC Reporting Guidance (11/09/20)
• Maine CDC Outdoor Visitation Guidance (06/10/20)
• Maine CDC Emergency Rulemaking-Reporting Requirements (05/12/20)
• Maine CDC Temporary Updates (04/22/20)

PPT Slides

• September 3, 2020
• August 26, 2020
• August 19, 2020
• August 12, 2020
• August 5, 2020
• July 29, 2020
• July 22, 2020
• July 15, 2020
• July 1, 2020

CDC Call Slide Decks

• OADS COVID 19 Congregate Care Call - January 20, 2021
• OADS COVID 19 Congregate Care Call - October 14, 2020

DHHS Call Slide Decks

• Covid-19 Stakeholder Call - Congregate Settings - October 28, 2020

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MHCA Daily Covid-19 Briefings

• MHCA Covid-19 Briefing: Maine Advises Pause for Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine, CMS Ends Four Covid-19 PHE Waivers, Maine CDC Releases Infection Control Self-Assessment, Important Quality Incentive Program FAQs, There is Still Time to Register for Safe Reunions 2.0: Visitation Webinar for LTC Familes and Residents on April 15 (04/13/21)
• MHCA Covid-19 Briefing: MHCA Partners to Provide Live Visitation Webinar for LTC Families and Residents, CMS Updates Guidance for Emergency Preparedness Regulations, Maine DHHS/CDC LTC Medical Director/Clinician Calls Move to Every Other Week, OSHA Implements National Emphasis Program (NEP) (04/06/21)
• MHCA Covid-19 Briefing: Accessing Covid-19 Vaccine in LTC, Notes from Today's Medical Director's Call (03/30/21), Personal Protective Equipment Burn Rate Calculator Version 2 Now Available (03/30/21)

Archived MHCA Daily Covid Briefings

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AHCA Communication

• AHCA/NCAL: Update - CDC and FDA Pause Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine (04/14/21)
• AHCA/NCAL: Update - Member Webinar: Submitting Comments to CMS on Proposed SNF Payment Rule (04/12/21)
• AHCA/NCAL: Update - CMS Announces Changes to 1135 Waivers (04/09/21)
• AHCA/NCAL: Update - CMS Updates Guidance for Emergency Preparedness Regulations (04/02/21)

Archived AHCA Covid Updates​

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Staffing

• FrontLine Warmline Poster - English (8.5x11) (08/06/20)
• FrontLine Warmline Poster - English (11x17) (08/06/20)
• FrontLine Warmline Poster - Multi-Language (8.5x11) (08/06/20)
• FrontLine Warmline Poster - Multi-Language (11x17) (08/06/20)
• The Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 document provides guidance on when healthcare workers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can return to work, and includes options for basing this decision on test-based criteria and non-test-based criteria. There is additional guidance on what precautions these healthcare workers need to take when they return to work.
• The Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 document provides options for basing discontinuation decisions on test-based criteria and non-test-based criteria.

• Emergency Temp License Inspection Form
• Emergency Temp Child Care Application (03/16/20)
• Childcare Subsidy Program Contact List (03/2020)
• Childcare Subsidy Program Emergency Provider Memo (03/16/20)

Complimentary/Discounted Lodging for Caregivers

• Comprehensive STATEWIDE List
• ​Hampton Inn Portland Downtown
• Clarion Hotel Portland
• Marriott

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Maximus Assessment Communication

• Maximus Assessment Response for COVID-19 (03/19/20)
• ​COVID-19 OADS FAQ for LTSS and Aging (03/19/20)

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• CDC Mini Web Lessons (06/29/20)
• Increased Testing Capacity (05/18/20)
• Key Strategies to Prepare for COVID-19 in Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs) (05/05/20)
• CDC Line Listing (04/22/20)
• CDC Situation Summary
• CDC Strategies to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in LTC Facilities
• CDC COVID 19 Information for Healthcare Professionals
• CDC Resources for Healthcare Professionals
• Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19
• CDC Information for Lab Testing
• ​CDC Infographic: Stop the Spread of Germs (English)
• CDC Infographic: Airborne Precautions (English)
• CDC Infographic: Droplet Precautions (English)
• CDC Infographic: Symptoms of COVID (English)
• CDC Infographic: Sick with 2019 nCoV Fact Sheet (English)
• CDC Infographic: Contact Precautions (English)
• WHO Infographic:Coronavirus Disease 2019

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Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

• ProjectECHO FAQs (11/05/20)
• CMS Call Slides on New COVID 19 Testing and Reporting Requirements (09/09/20)
• Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations (QSO-20-30-NH, May 18, 2020)
• Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations FAQ (05/20/20)
• Interim Final Rule for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases (05/07/20)
• QSO-20-28 Five Star, Staff Counts, and Frequently Asked Questions (04/24/2020)
• QSO-20-25-NH Long-Term Care Facility Transfer Scenarios (04/14/20)
• CMS Non-emergent Elective Medical Service (04/10/20)
• QSO-20-14 NH Guidance for Visitation (03/13/20)
• QSO-20-17 Expanded Mask Guidance (03/11/20)
• CMS Guidance Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge (03/04/20)
• QSO-20-12-All Suspension of Survey Activities (04/02/20)
• CMS Long Term Care Infection Control Self-Assessment Tool Checklist
• COVID-19: New ICD-10-CM Code and Interim Coding Guidance
• Maine’s 211 Available For COVID-19 Questions
• Requesting a State of Emergency Waiver
• 1135 Waiver Authority

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Communications/Media Relations

• COVID Notification Letter to Residents and Families (06/17/20)
• Communication Strategies to Keep Families Informed (04/22/20)
• ​MHCA Press Statement (04/14/20)
• Crisis Communication in an Infectious Diseases Outbreak (04/03/20)
• When COVID Gets into Your Facility (04/03/20)
• Crisis Communication Abbreviated Presentation (03/30/20)
• Infection Control Statement and Talking Points for Confirmed COVID-19 Case (03/30/20)
• Emergency Preparedness and Media Plan (03/30/20)
• Template Family Letter for Confirmed COVID-19 Case (03/23/20)
• MHCA Media Relations (03/10/20)
• AHCA Example Notice to Families (03/10/20)
• ​AHCA Template Letter to Employees (03/10/20)
• MHCA Sample Letter to Families (03/09/20)

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Advanced Care Planning

• Resources on ACP from Respecting Choices
• Maine POLST Form
• Maine Advanced Directives Form
• Transfer Protocol for Nursing Homes MFDA

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