Over 9,000 nursing homes across the country will be rewarded for successfully reducing COVID-19 related infections and deaths between September and October 2020. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will be distributing $523 million in the second round of performance payments to over 9,000 nursing homes. Recipients may use this funding to acquire additional personal protective equipment (PPE) or for other efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
This is the second round of five evaluation cycles rewarding nursing homes for their performance in reducing nursing home infection and mortality rates. This incentive-based program rewards nursing homes that create and maintain safe environments for their residents by keeping new COVID-19 infection and mortality rates among residents lower than in the communities that they serve. The payments will begin to be distributed December 9, 2020.
Between September and October 2020, HHS found that of the 13,251 eligible nursing homes, 9,248 or 69% met the incentive program’s infection control criteria. Although less than the first cycle, the collective efforts of these nursing homes resulted in over 3,900 fewer infections relative to the rates seen in their communities.
HHS is reminding all certified nursing homes of the free interactive training and mentoring that is available through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to advance COVID-19 preparedness, safety, and infection control. The training can be accessed here: AHRQ ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is also offering free infection control training. This training can be accessed here: Trump Administration Launches National Training Program to Strengthen Nursing Home Infection Control Practices | CMS
A state-by-state breakdown of second round payment allocations can be accessed here: Provider Relief Fund Nursing Home Quality Incentive Payment Allocations October 2020 (hhs.gov)
The facility list of the first-round nursing home incentive payment recipients can be accessed here: Provider Relief Fund COVID-19 Nursing Home Quality Incentive Program | Data | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)
Issue
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is imperative that each nursing facility implement infection prevention and control recommendations for all residents and staff. The data suggests that the spread of COVID-19 can be reduced by implementation of effective infection prevention and control procedures, and that these procedures can stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives.
Discussion
- Review policies and procedures regarding the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Plan to ensure they are in agreement with the most recent requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Train all staff about the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Plan and their individual responsibility. Document the training, and file in each employee’s education file.
- Periodically audit to ensure that the facility’s Infection Prevention and Control Plan is followed by all staff.
