The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Interim Final Rule, requiring vaccination of all staff at health care facilities
Continue Reading CMS Sets Compliance Deadlines, Issues Details for Health Care Staff Vaccination Mandate
What You Need to Know about Billions in Provider Relief Funds, Phase 3 Distributions and a 60-Day Grace Period
On September 10, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) offered updates regarding its Provider Relief Fund program, including $25.5 billion in new funding that will soon
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As Diagnostic Labs Expand COVID Testing, They Must Heed State, Federal Laws and Regulations
In response to the COVID−19 pandemic, clinical laboratories have increased their diagnostic testing capabilities and expanded their business by testing COVID−19 specimens from different states and entering into arrangements to
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Provider Relief Fund Reporting Portal Open for Registration Only, New Reporting Guidance Issued
On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opened the reporting portal for individuals who had received Provider Relief Funds (PRF) from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
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HHS Issues ‘Last Call’ for Provider Relief Funds – Apply by Nov. 6 for Share of $20 Billion Distribution
An additional $20 billion in “Provider Relief Funds” is being made available pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act through a “Phase 3” General Distribution. However,
Continue Reading HHS Issues ‘Last Call’ for Provider Relief Funds – Apply by Nov. 6 for Share of $20 Billion Distribution
HHS Extends COVID-19 Related Public Health Emergency through January 20, 2021
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
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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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
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
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