Accessing the COVID-19 Vaccine
Visit the WA State Department of Health vaccine website for information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
WA Roadmap to recovery
The Roadmap to Recovery plan establishes phased criteria for the state.
COVID-19 Reporting Requirements
You must report suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the following parties (see list of notifiable conditions)
- Your local health jurisdiction
- The Residential Care Services Complaint Resolution Unit (CRU)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (required of Skilled Nursing Facilities only)
Vaccine Administration
Refer to the Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine page for general information about the vaccine.
Informational Flyers
- How do COVID-19 vaccines work in your body?
- How are COVID-19 vaccines made?
- How to find trustworthy information about vaccines
Long-Term Care Advisory Group
An advisory group has been formed to address pandemic-related issues affecting long-term care providers. The group is comprised of members of state government, industry representatives, labor representatives, and other stakeholders.
Advisory Group Purpose Statement
The purpose of this Long-Term Care Facilities COVID-19 Advisory Group is to:
- Communicate across agencies and across advisory group representation what is needed to fully support residents, families, providers and facility staff in response to the COVID-19.
- Share information that has been captured from other groups and sources with the goal of coordinating the many channels of information that are occurring as a result of COVID-19 response.
- Advise agencies and local jurisdictions on policy decisions and practices related to COVID-19 response in long-term care facilities and home and community-based programs.
- The activities of this group are specific to COVID-19 related needs. Unless the group decides to adjourn earlier, once the threat of the pandemic is past, activities of this advisory group will terminate.
Represented long-term care facilities include adult family homes, skilled nursing facilities, supported living agencies, and assisted living facilities.
Resources:
- N95 Fit Testing Resources, Information (September 15, 2020)
- L&I Regional Manager and Supervisor List (September 23, 2020)
- Notes on Ventilation (September 30, 2020)
- COVID Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Pay close attention to our "Provider/Administrator Letters" for the latest guidance. Refer procedural questions to your local health department.
Protocol for Donning (Putting On) and Doffing (Taking Off) PPE
The effectiveness of PPE depends on its proper use. Putting on or removing PPE inappropriately can negate its protective properties. Adhere to CDC guidelines for use of PPE and refer to CDC instructions for properly donning (video) and doffing (video) PPE.
How to Acquire PPE
All long-term care facilities are instructed to purchase necessary personal protective equipment. In the event of an urgent shortage, visit this page to review your backup options.
Individual Providers are eligible to request PPE from the state.
COVID-19 Testing
Who should get tested?
The Washington State Department of Health recommends prompt testing for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19. If a resident, client, or staff member at a long-term care facility tests positive for COVID-19, contact your local health jurisdiction for immediate instruction on broader testing.
Infection Control and Prevention
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings - (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Library of CMS Guidance (for federally-certified programs such as nursing facilities and ICF/IIDs) - (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services)
- Caring for Clients with Suspected or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 - (WA DSHS ALTSA)
COVID-19 Guidance for Home Care Workers
This document details important safety measures for home care workers to protect themselves and their clients. It is also available in a variety of languages:
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Appendix K Waivers
Appendix K waivers have been filed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These waivers temporarily modify some processes of care, provider qualifications, service limitations, and other guidelines. Providers should stay current with these waivers to optimally respond to COVID-19.
Provider Rate Enhancements
The outbreak of COVID-19 has burdened providers with increased costs. Emergency rate enhancements have been extended to providers to offset some of these increased expenses.
Home and Community Services (HCS) Rate Enhancements
Home Care Agencies will receive a vendor rate of $35.68 per hour, or $8.92 per quarter hour, through September 30, 2020.
Individual Providers will receive an additional $2.56 per hour for hours worked through September 30, 2020.
- H20-068 details temporary rate changes for Home Care Agencies, training class time and the Family Caregiver Support Program.
- H20-070 details rate add-ons for Medicaid service providers, including assisted living facilities, enhanced services facilities, adult family homes, community choice guides, supportive housing, behavior support agencies, nurse delegators, private duty nursing and skilled nursing during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- H20-077 details rate enhancements for Individual Providers.
Residential Care Services (RCS) Rate Enhancements
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services have increased Federal Match Assistance Percentages (FMAP), resulting in an effective 12-15% rate increase for facilities.
Admitting nursing home facilities will receive an exceptional rate of $100 per client per day atop regular rates for admitting a hospitalized client who transitions to their facility during the surge period.
DSHS has also begun establishing contracts with providers that can establish buildings or wings that can provide services dedicated to COVID+ residents. These COVID+ facilities will receive an enhanced daily rate of $450/day.
ALTSA issued a “Dear Provider” letter on May 4 that details rate increases for Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Family Homes.
Additional Guidance for Providers
Guidance for Individual Providers
The work performed by Individual Providers is considered essential under the Governors Proclamation 20-25. See our Guide for Individual Providers top strategies to limit close contact and protect yourself and others.
Phased Reopening Guidance for Adult Day Services
ALTSA Response to COVID-19
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) has reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak by securing federal waivers to afford providers much-needed flexibility in care delivery, and by delivering timely guidance to providers and facilities. Our guidance consolidates input from Governor Jay Inslee, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other authoritative bodies.
Help, Hotlines, and Guidelines
Washington State Department of Health Coronavirus Call Center
- 1-800-525-0127 and press #.
Washington State Department of Health Web Resources
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Applicable to federally certified programs such as nursing facilities and ICF/IIDs
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Information for Healthcare Facilities
- COVID-19 Preparation for Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care Facilities