Gov. Ralph Northam has signaled he will allow the state’s public health emergency (PHE) expire at midnight on June 30, 2021. VHCA-VCAL is evaluating how the end of the PHE will affect waivers and other flexibilities put in place for long term care facilities during the pandemic.

Virginia TNA to CNA Examination—Among our efforts is a request that temporary nurse aides (TNA) be given additional time to apply to take their CNA exam aligning Virginia’s requirements with CMS waiver that allows nursing facilities to temporarily employ individuals who have completed alterative pathways for nurse aide training. Per QSO-21-17-NH, nursing facilities can use individuals who have undergone alternative pathways for nurse aide training.

ALF Waivers and Leniencies—We have reached out to DSS for clarification on the licensing waivers and modifications granted in April 2020. Leniencies were granted in numerous areas including documentation and training; staff qualifications; assessment and service requirements; nutrition and menu requirements; physical plant requirements; and licensing operations.

PASRR—The requirements for Pre-Admission Screening Resident Review (PASRR) are still waived by CMS. We are in communication with DMAS on this issue.

LTSS Screenings—Leniency for LTSS screenings will be lifted, which will result in the hospital screening teams conducting the LTSS screening for any Medicaid-eligible individual being discharged to a nursing facility. See this article for additional information.

DOLI Final Standard for Infectious Disease Prevention: SARS-CoV-2 Virus That Causes COVID-19—Gov. Ralph Northam has asked the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board to meet prior to June 30, 2021 to take action to address the discrepancies in the Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) final permanent standard and CDC guidance.