On October 2, 2020, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Alex M. Azar II, announced the renewal of the public health emergency declaration due to the continued consequences of the
Continue Reading HHS Extends COVID-19 Related Public Health Emergency through January 20, 2021
COVID-19/Coronavirus
FDA Warns Consumers and Health Care Professionals Not to Use Certain Hand Sanitizer Products
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…
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Dentists Can Apply for CARES Provider Relief Funds through August 3, 2020
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…
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Costs for COVID Tests – The Buck Stops Where?
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,…
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PA Health Care Practices and Facilities Should Modify Their COVID-19 Policies for New Travel Quarantine
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…
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HHS Announces Relief Fund Payments for Medicaid & CHIP Providers, Safety Net Hospitals and Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Portal
***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. …
Continue Reading HHS Announces Relief Fund Payments for Medicaid & CHIP Providers, Safety Net Hospitals and Enhanced Provider Relief Fund Portal
Medicare Appeals and Audit Waivers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
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…
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Focused Infection Control Surveys for Nursing Homes to be Completed by July 31, 2020 — New Penalties for Identified Deficiencies
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…
Continue Reading Focused Infection Control Surveys for Nursing Homes to be Completed by July 31, 2020 — New Penalties for Identified Deficiencies
PA Dental Practices Permitted to Re-Open for Routine Cleanings
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. …
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OSHA Revises its Guidance for Recording Work-Related COVID-19 Cases
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…
Continue Reading OSHA Revises its Guidance for Recording Work-Related COVID-19 Cases