Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, hospitals have cared for an average of 6,600 patients per day, including an average of 1,800 ICU patients per day. They responded quickly and with an extraordinary investment — creating additional physical space, purchasing protective and clinical equipment, and cancelling non-emergency procedures; investing in their own health care heroes with childcare subsidies, temporary housing, and more; and enduring unprecedented challenges and even financial strain. Throughout this public health emergency, hospitals have bolstered the trust of their communities that, no matter what comes their way, they are ready to care for all Californians, in all ways.
About Coronavirus
Help Needed to Increase Use of COVID-19 App That Tracks Exposure; Dec. 9 Webinar to Explain How it Works
Today, Gov. Newsom announced a new, voluntary app called CA Notify that will launch statewide on Dec. 10. It’s designed to quickly notify individuals when they’ve been in sustained contact (per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines) with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The app does not share personal data or provide unnecessary digital details that could compromise privacy.
This is how the app, which is available for download, works:
Vaccination Primer for Hospitals
HHS to Host Webinar on Hospital Data Reporting Requirements Tomorrow, Nov. 13
The Health & Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs will host an additional webinar on the updated guidance for its interim final rule on COVID-19 data reporting requirements tomorrow, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. (PT). The webinar will include time for Q&A.
CMS Announces Coverage, Payment Policies for COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapies
Following the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of emergency use authorization for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy, bamlanivimab, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will cover monoclonal antibody therapies, with no beneficiary cost-sharing for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
CHA Issues Summary of Fourth Interim Final Rule on COVID-19 Policies, Regulatory Flexibilities
CHA has issued a summary of the recently published fourth interim final rule with comment period on policies and regulatory flexibilities available for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
CMS Interim Final Rule Establishes Additional COVID-19 Policies and Regulatory Flexibilities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) – along with the Departments of Labor and the Treasury – issued its fourth interim final rule with comment period (IFC) on policies and regulatory flexibilities available for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration
The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the renewal of the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration. The renewal is effective Oct. 23 and will continue for an additional 90 days, ensuring flexibilities – like waivers and special rules tied to the public health emergency declaration – remain in place for providers.
CMS Addresses Questions on Cost Reports and Provider Relief Fund Payments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised its COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Medicare fee-for-service billing to address questions related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Provider Relief Fund and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program payments.
COVID-19 Data Reporting to Become a Medicare Condition of Participation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an interim final rule revising regulatory requirements related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Among the provisions finalized, CMS establishes new requirements in the hospital and critical access hospital Conditions of Participation that require hospitals to report certain COVID-19-related data elements to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on a daily basis.
FAQs: Department of Defense Medical Teams
What is the typical makeup of a DoD team?
The teams are made up of active duty military medical providers including two MDs, two mid-level providers, two respiratory therapists, and 14 Registered Nurses.
Is there a difference between a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) and a DoD Team?
Yes, DMATs are medical professionals and support personnel who operate under the Department of Health and Human Services National Disaster Medical System, and DoD teams are active military personnel.
What are the criteria determining which hospitals receive a DoD medical team?
Hospitals have been chosen in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Center for Healthcare Quality, county Medical Health Operational Area Coordinators (MHOACs), and Regional Disaster Medical and Health Specialists and represent large hospitals that have licensed ICU beds that they are unable to staff.
What should we expect from the team?
Teams are being deployed to expand ICU capacity in strategic areas by bolstering ICU staff.
How are the teams managed?
The teams fall fully under the operational coordination of California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and the Department of Defense. Hospitals will be responsible for onsite management of the teams.
How long will the teams be at the hospital?
They are on a 30-day mission assignment.
What supplies will the team need when it arrives?
All PPE, scrubs, and required working supplies need to be provided by the hospitals. If hospitals need help with extra supplies, they can request this through the MHOAC Program.
Can hospitals get lead information on the team so they can start emergency credentialing?
All state licensing is being coordinated by EMSA with the CDPH Licensing & Certification program.
Does the team have professional liability coverage?
Professional liability coverage is covered by the military, as they are active duty military.
Is there a cost to hospitals for the staff?
No, the cost share is between the state and federal governments.
Do they provide their own housing?
With the exception of scrubs and PPE, the DoD covers all logistical needs of its personnel.