COVID-19/Coronavirus

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a flurry of Press Releases and Alerts from mid-June through the end of July warning consumers and health care professionals not to use certain alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the dangerous presence of methanol (or wood alcohol), a substance often used to create fuel and antifreeze that can be toxic when absorbed … Continue Reading

Dentists are now able to receive funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund, as a result of the American Dental Association’s advocacy.

In a press release dated July 17, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended the deadline to apply for the funds to August 3, 2020, “to ensure … Continue Reading

Widespread testing for the novel Coronavirus is generally recognized as an important tool in combating the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization is an advocate for broad testing, so as to better locate incidents of infection for purposes of isolation, caring, and tracking.

However, the cumulative cost for such testing is significant. In a study commissioned by the … Continue Reading

On July 1, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Gov. Wolf issued a 14-day quarantine recommendation for any individual returning to PA from any of 19 states.  The Department expects to adjust the list from time to time to reflect the rise or decrease in COVID-19 cases in states around the country.

Health care practices and facilities should consider … Continue Reading

***Update:  Eligible providers that participate in Medicaid and CHIP programs must electronically submit an application for Provider Relief Funds through the Provider Relief Fund Portal  by July 20, 2020. Note that such providers may select to use their gross revenues from patient care for CY 2017, or 2018 or 2019. The Instructions, Application and Terms and Conditions for Medicaid … Continue Reading

In the event of a national disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act or the National Emergencies Act and a Public Health Emergency Declaration by government officials, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary can temporarily waive certain Medicaid and Medicare criterion, which are commonly referred to as 1135 Waivers.  By way of example, 1135 Waivers or … Continue Reading

On June 1, 2020 CMS published QSO-20-31-All. It is effective immediately and provides in part as follows:

(1) States will need to perform focused infection control surveys (FICS) of 100% of the certified nursing homes in their State by July 31, 2020 or lose access to certain federal funding.

… Continue Reading

On June 3, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued revised Guidance permitting dental practices to re-open for non-urgent and non-emergent care, including, but not limited to, routine cleanings.  Dentists around the State have been awaiting this green light from the DOH, as it has been difficult for practices to re-open without being able to perform routine cleanings.

The … Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires employers to report and record workplace injuries. OSHA has published revised guidance regarding its recordkeeping requirements for employers. Beginning May 26, 2020 and until further notice, OSHA is requiring most employers with more than 10 employees to record work-related employee COVID-19 illnesses.

While this applies to many … Continue Reading

On May 23, 2020, the PA Department of Health (DOH) revised its guidance for ambulatory surgical facilities (ASFs) to require ASFs that intend to provide COVID-19 testing to patients and staff to hold the appropriate CLIA certification and state laboratory permit to perform such testing.

For specific information on what CLIA certification is required, please see the DOH’s guidance on … Continue Reading