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AHPA continues to follow new COVID-19 regulations, guidance and other government actions. The updates below are the latest guidance and other developments since September 5, 2020 to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. New COVID-19 Reporting Guidance for Labs and Long-Term Care Faculties

• CMS has released new surveyor guidance for COVID-19 laboratory test result reporting. Labs are expected to comply with the new requirements by September 23, 2020 or be subject to civil monetary penalties. This guidance also includes requirements for long-term care facilities.

Representing Telehealth Encounters for eCQMs

• CMS has posted additional guidance for using the Quality Reporting Document Architecture I (QRDA I) format to represent telehealth encounters for the Eligible Professional and Eligible Clinician eCQMs. This does not change the original guidance posted in July. 2020 Quality Reporting | 2021 Quality Reporting

New Guidance Allows Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Vaccinations

• HHS has issued guidance authorizing state-licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccinations to persons over the age of three. Pharmacists must complete a practical training program and continuing education to qualify.

Discharge Planning During the Pandemic

• HHS has published guidance to support nurses, social workers, case managers and others conducting discharge planning for adults with disabilities who received COVID-19 treatment.

Flexibilities for Blood Centers Collecting Investigational Convalescent Plasma   The FDA has updated its guidance document for the use of convalescent plasma. Blood centers that collected convalescent plasma prior to the August Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) will be given 90 days to comply with the EUA’s new requirements. Open document to read more; page 5.