As California’s hospitals continue their life-saving work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital associations continue to advocate on behalf of hospitals and their patients, in addition to offering these tools and resources:
About Coronavirus
Reminder: Most Reconsideration Requests for PRF Phase 4 Payments Due by May 2
Providers who believe their Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 payment was not calculated correctly have until 8:59:59 p.m. (PT) on May 2 to request a reconsideration from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Federal Public Health Emergency Extended to July 15
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration for an additional 90 days, effective April 16.
HRSA Announces the Additional Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund Payments to Providers
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced the release of an additional $1.75 billion in payments as part of the Phase 4 distribution of the Provider Relief Fund.
CMS Terminates Certain COVID-19 Blanket Waivers for Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will end certain COVID-19 blanket waivers for nursing homes, with the specified waivers ending in either 30 or 60 days from April 7.
CMS Revises Survey Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued revised surveyor guidance on its final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination for health care staff.
HRSA Reopens Reporting Period 1 for Providers Experiencing Extenuating Circumstances
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced that starting the week of April 11, providers that missed Reporting Period 1 due to extenuating circumstances will be able to submit their request for a late report through April 22.
Access to Free COVID-19 Tests Expanded for Medicare Beneficiaries
Starting April 4, Medicare will cover up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests each calendar month for individuals with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, until the COVD-19 public health emergency ends.
Federal COVID-19 Uninsured Program to Sunset, But DHCS Will Continue State Program
The Health Resources and Services Administration has announced that it is ending the federal COVID-19 Uninsured Program because there are insufficient funds to continue.
CDC Updates Mask Guidance for Visitors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance to recommend that people visiting health care facilities use the most protective form of source control, including N-95 masks.
HCAI Releases Notice About Temporary Changes to Accommodate Additional Patients
In case you missed it, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced on July 16 in All-Facilities Letter 20-26.9 that the statewide space waiver for hospitals, which was set to expire July 17, has been extended until Sept. 30.