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Tag: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

EMS.gov | HHS Announces New Performance Goals to Enhance Cybersecurity

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory, Technology.

EMS News

HHS Announces New Cybersecurity Performance Goals to Enhance Cybersecurity
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced on January 24, 2024, the release of new voluntary Cybersecurity Performance Goals (CPGs). These guidelines are specifically designed for the Health Care and Public Health (HPH) sector. Additionally, HHS launched a gateway website to streamline the implementation of these cybersecurity measures and facilitate access to extensive resources provided by HHS and its federal partners.

The HPH CPGs are designed to better protect the healthcare sector from cyberattacks, improve response when events occur and minimize residual risk. HPH CPGs include both essential goals to outline minimum foundational practices for cybersecurity performance and enhanced goals to encourage adoption of more advanced practices.

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As healthcare continues to embrace digital transformation, the importance of cybersecurity has never been more critical. We urge the EMS community to engage with this significant development. The new CPGs represent a proactive step by ASPR and HHS to fortify the healthcare sector’s defenses against cyber threats.

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1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

HHS/ASPR Project ECHO Clinical Readiness Rounds are Returning

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Patient Care, Quality.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Project ECHO have launched this program designed to create peer-to-peer learning networks where clinicians who have more experience treating patients in emergency situations share their challenges and successes with clinicians across the U.S. and around the world with a wide variety of experience of these situations. Topics for sessions are based on new and emergent information around emergency preparedness, as well as topics requested by participants.

Register Now

Certification & Credits

Sessions will be eligible for CME credits.

Contact Information

Please contact C19ECHO@salud.unm.edu for more information.

Webinar | HHS Roadmap for Cybersecurity in Health Care

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Technology.

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IEA) will host a webinar on healthcare sector cybersecurity from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.  HHS IEA stated speakers will discuss “the Department’s roadmap for cybersecurity in health care and answer questions on how HHS can help protect patient safety, secure our hospitals, and improve cyber resiliency in health care.”

HHS IEA indicated the event will feature the following speakers:

  • HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm; and
  • Speakers from the Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR).

Registration for the event can be found at:  Webinar Registration.

OIG Announces Modernization of Compliance Program Guidance Documents

Written by Meghan Winesett on . Posted in Executive, Government Affairs, Human Resources, Member-Only.

By Brian S. Werfel, Esq.

On April 25, 2023, the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) posted a notice in the Federal Register that it would be updating its publicly available resources, including its compliance program guidance documents.  The OIG’s Compliance Program Guidances (CPGs) were developed as voluntary, non-binding guidance documents that can assist healthcare providers in developing their own internal controls to ensure adherence to federal laws, regulations, and program requirements.

Specifically, the OIG announced that it will no longer publish updated or new CPGs in the Federal Register.  Instead, updates or new CPGs will now be made available on the OIG’s website.  The OIG will also revise the format for CGS.  The new format will consist of: (1) a General CPG (GCPG) that applies to all healthcare providers and (2) industry-specific CPGs (ICPGs) tailored to the fraud and abuse areas specific to that industry.  The OIG indicated that it anticipates issuing the GCPG by the end of calendar year 2023, with ICPGs being issued starting in calendar year 2024.  The OIG further indicated that it anticipates the first two ICPGs will address Medicare Advantage plans and nursing facilities.

Note: the OIG is not updating its 2003 guidance on compliance programs for ambulance suppliers.  The OIG frequently cites this document in enforcement actions it takes against ambulance providers and suppliers.  Thus, this guidance document remains relevant to this day.  For that reason, A.A.A. members are strongly encouraged to review this document to ensure that their existing compliance program incorporates the elements cited by the OIG.

Previous Compliance Program Guidance for Ambulance Suppliers

In March 2003, the OIG issued its “Compliance Program Guidance for Ambulance Suppliers.”  This document sets forth the basic elements that it believes should be included in any effective compliance program, and then discusses various fraud and abuse and compliance risks associated with the provision of ambulance services under the Medicare Program.

The 7 basic elements identified by the OIG are:

  1. The development of compliance policies and procedures
  2. The designation of a compliance officer or compliance committee
  3. The implementation of education and training programs
  4. The use of internal monitoring and reviews
  5. Policies designed to respond appropriately to detected misconduct
  6. Ensuring open lines of communication
  7. The enforcement of disciplinary standards through well-publicized guidelines

The CPG then goes into greater detail on each of these elements, including specific recommendations on how to properly implement each of these elements.  For instance, the OIG suggests that the organization’s compliance office be a high-level individual who reports directly to the organization’s CEO or Board of Directors.

With respect to the specific fraud and abuse risks associated with ambulance, the OIG highlighted the issue of medical necessity.  The OIG also cited level of service issues (i.e., billing ALS vs. BLS), non-emergency transports, and coordination of benefit issues as particular areas of concern.

 

Impact of Expiration of Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023

Written by Brian Werfel on . Posted in Publications, Reimbursement.

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HHS OCR Settlement in FL to Improve Access to Care for Communities of Color

Written by Scott Moore on . Posted in Human Resources, Regulatory.

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EMS Grant Bill Introduced in House

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Government Affairs, Legislative, Member Advisories.

EMS Grant Bill Introduced in House

All EMS Organizations Eligible with Limitations

On Wednesday evening, Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) along with Representatives Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Cynthia Axne (D-IA), Mike Carey (R-OH), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Al Larson (D-FL), and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Supporting our First Responders Act (H.R. 8994). H.R. 8994 would establish the “EMS Grant Program” with funding at $50 million a year. Grants could be used for the training and retention of paramedics and EMTs, equipment, and facility modifications as well as additional purposes as seen fit by the HHS Secretary.

 

Of significant importance, private sector ambulance service organizations would be eligible for grants under the program. While the total amount available to private EMS would be capped at 2% or $1 million of the funding per year, H.R. 8994 is the first piece of legislation to explicitly state that private for-profit ambulance service organizations would be eligible to apply directly for such grant funding. The AAA worked closely with the sponsors of H.R. 8994 as well as Boundtree and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) on the introduction of the bill.

988 Lifeline Transition – Partner Toolkit and Jobs Web Page

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory, State-Level Advocacy.

HHS PRF | EMS Funding Letter to Secretary Becerra

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Executive, Finance, Government Affairs, Regulatory.

Download PDF Letter

March 24, 2022

The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20201

Dear Secretary Becerra:

Ground ambulance service organizations and fire departments continue to struggle financially from the enduring economic effects of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Our respective members face sharp increases in the costs of fuel, equipment, medical supplies, and staffing as we deal with a severe shortage of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) which has been an issue for years but exacerbated by the pandemic. We implore you to help ensure communities around the country have access to 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency ground ambulance services through the remainder of the PHE and beyond with an infusion of $350 million from returned and/or unspent money in the Provider Relief Fund (PRF).

We greatly appreciate the funding that ground ambulance service organizations and fire departments have already received from the PRF. The funds have been a lifeline for many of our respective members and their ability to continue to serve their communities. However, as the Phase 4 distribution of funds demonstrated, more funding is needed for ground ambulance services. Our members indicate the funds they received in Phase 4 covered approximately 50% of their lost reimbursement and increased costs from July 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, whereas previous distributions were closer to 88%. We therefore respectfully request an immediate distribution of $350 million or 10% of the annual Medicare expenditure on ground ambulance services.

We request that the funds be distributed in a similar manner as the Tranche 1 distribution from the PRF. The automatic, across-the-board deposit of funding was especially helpful for small and rural ground ambulance service organizations. These rural organizations provide care in underserved areas and are often daunted even by an abbreviated application process. To ensure equity for all communities, we support universal direct deposit.

Additionally, we encourage HHS to make these payments based on the National Provider Identification (NPI) number of the ground ambulance service organization or fire department rather than Tax ID Number (TIN). In the case of moderate and large cities, many municipal departments may share a TIN while maintaining distinct NPIs. Providing these payments according to TIN may unintentionally comingle funds intended for different departments such as fire departments, public health departments, and local government-run hospitals or clinics.

The American Ambulance Association (AAA), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), and National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) represent the providers of vital emergency and non-emergency ground ambulance services and the paramedics, EMTs and firefighters who deliver the direct medical care and transport for every community across the United States.

Our members take on substantial risk every day to treat, transport, and test potential COVID-19 patients, and play a vital role in providing vaccinations to individuals in their homes. Ground ambulance service organizations and fire departments, however, urgently need the additional

$350 million to help offset the increased costs and lower reimbursement resulting from our vital response to the pandemic.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

American Ambulance Association

International Association of Fire Chiefs

International Association of Fire Fighters

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians

National Volunteer Fire Council

HHS IEA | COVID-19 Update for March 21, 2022

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

HHS Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs COVID-19 Update for
March 21, 2022  
CASE UPDATE
New Cases (based on 7-day rolling average)

  • 79,571,321 U.S. cases
  • 17.3% decrease in new cases (7-day average), as of March 18, 2022

Testing

  • 837,949,940 tests completed (3/21)
  • 2.3% positive test rate as of the week of 3/11 – 3/17/22 (was 2.7 % last week)

Hospitalizations

  • 4,581,254 total COVID hospital admissions (3/18)
  • The 7-day average (3/12 – 3/18) number of new confirmed COVID-19 admissions decreased from 2,642 to 2,010 admissions per day

Deaths

  • 969,114 total U.S. deaths
  • The 7-day average (3/12 – 3/18) number of reported deaths decreased from 1,199 to 973 deaths per day

Vaccines

  • 558,678,770 vaccine doses administered (3/21/22)
  • 76.8% (255 million people) of the population has received 1 or more doses and 65.4% (217.1 million people) of the population have been fully vaccinated
  • 81.6% of people five years and older have received at least 1 dose and 69.5% have been fully vaccinated
VACCINE UPDATES
COVID-19 Vaccines Continue to Protect Against Hospitalization and Death Among Adults: CDC released a statement that COVID-19 vaccination continues to help protect adults against severe illness with COVID-19, including hospitalizations and death, according to two reports released in last week’s MMWR . During Omicron, COVID-19-associated hospitalization rates increased for all adults, regardless of vaccination status, but rates were 12 times higher among adults who were unvaccinated compared to adults who received a booster or additional doses. Hospitalization rates were also highest among non-Hispanic Black adults and nearly 4 times as high among Black adults than White adults during the peak of Omicron. CDC continues to recommend that everyone 5 years and older stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, including a booster dose for those who are eligible. We also must work to ensure everyone has equitable access to vaccines and treatments by focusing efforts on reaching people who have been disproportionately affected, so that they can be protected from the effects of the virus, including severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

FDA to Hold Advisory Committee Meeting on COVID-19 Vaccines to Discuss Future Boosters: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a virtual meeting of its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) on Wednesday, April 6, to discuss considerations for future COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and the process for selecting specific strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for COVID-19 vaccines to address current and emerging variants. Along with the independent experts of the advisory committee, representatives from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health will participate in the meeting.

One-Year Anniversary of Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program: Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recognized the one-year anniversary of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA)  Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program , which received funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and has provided COVID-19 vaccines directly to thousands of HRSA-supported health center sites nationwide. To date, health centers have administered more than 20 million vaccines in underserved communities across the country through the HRSA program and partnerships with states.
TESTING AND TREATMENT
FDA Safety Communication on At-Home COVID-19 Tests: The FDA  issued a safety communication  to alert people of the potential for harm if FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 tests are not used according to the manufacturer’s test instructions. The FDA is also reminding people to keep the tests out of reach from children and pets. The FDA has received reports of injuries caused by the incorrect use of at-home COVID-19 tests, such as people putting the test chemicals in their eyes, due to the small vials of test solution were mistaken for eye drops. The FDA is also aware of children putting small plastic vials in their mouth and swallowing test solution. This safety communication provides:

  • Recommendations for people using FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests
  • Background on the issue and the FDA’s actions
  • Instructions for reporting problems with at-home COVID-19 testing to the FDA

EUA for At-Home Test: The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for PHASE Scientific International, Ltd.’s INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Test, an OTC #COVID19 antigen diagnostic on March 16. The FDA is committed to increase the availability of appropriately accurate and reliable at-home COVID19 diagnostic tests, and to facilitate consumer access to these tests.
RESEARCH
COVID-19-Associated Hospitalizations Among Adults During SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variant Predominance: CDC released an MMWR on COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among adults during SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variant predominance by race/ethnicity and vaccination status from fourteen states between July 2021 – January 2022. SARS-CoV-2 infections can result in COVID-19–associated hospitalizations, even among vaccinated persons. In January 2022, unvaccinated adults and those vaccinated with a primary series, but no booster or additional dose, were 12 and three times as likely to be hospitalized, respectively, as were adults who received booster or additional doses. Hospitalization rates among non-Hispanic Black adults increased more than rates in other racial/ethnic groups. All adults should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to reduce their risk for COVID-19–associated hospitalization. Implementing strategies that result in the equitable receipt of COVID-19 vaccinations among persons with disproportionately higher hospitalizations rates, including non-Hispanic Black adults, is an urgent public health priority.

Effectiveness of mRNA Vaccination in Preventing COVID-19-Associated Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Death: CDC released an MMWR on the effectiveness of mRNA vaccination in preventing COVID-19-associated invasive mechanical ventilation and death in the United States from March 2021 – January 2022. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines provide protection against COVID-19 hospitalization among adults. However, how well mRNA vaccines protect against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19–related illness, including use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or death, is uncertain. Receiving 2 or 3 doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk for COVID-19–associated IMV or death. Protection of 3 mRNA vaccine doses during the period of Omicron predominance was 94%. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are highly effective in preventing the most severe forms of COVID-19. CDC recommends that all persons eligible for vaccination get vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination.
Marvin B. Figueroa, Director
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Intergovernmental and External Affairs
200 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Connect With Us

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HHS OIG Report on Telehealth for Medicare Beneficiaries in COVID-19

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care, Regulatory.

From HHS Office of Inspector General on March 15, 2022

Telehealth Was Critical for Providing Services to Medicare Beneficiaries During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic

03-15-2022 | OEI-02-20-00520 | Complete Report

WHY WE DID THIS STUDY

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for how Medicare beneficiaries accessed health care. In response, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took a number of actions to temporarily expand access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries. CMS allowed beneficiaries to use telehealth for a wide range of services; it also allowed beneficiaries to use telehealth in different locations, including in urban areas and from the beneficiary’s home.

This data brief provides insight into the use of telehealth in both Medicare fee-for-service and Medicare Advantage during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 through February 2021. It is a companion to a report that examines the characteristics of beneficiaries who used telehealth during the pandemic. Another report in this series identifies program integrity concerns related to telehealth during the pandemic. Understanding the use of telehealth during the first year of the pandemic can shed light on how the temporary expansion of telehealth affected where and how beneficiaries accessed their health care. This information can help CMS, Congress, and other stakeholders make decisions about how telehealth can be best used to meet the needs of beneficiaries in the future.

HOW WE DID THIS STUDY

We based this analysis on Medicare fee-for-service claims data and Medicare Advantage encounter data from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, and from the prior year, March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020. We used these data to determine the total number of services used via telehealth and in-person, as well as the types of services used. We also compared the number of services used via telehealth and in-person during the first year of the pandemic to those used in the prior year.

WHAT WE FOUND

Over 28 million Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth during the first year of the pandemic. This was more than 2 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries. In total, beneficiaries used 88 times more telehealth services during the first year of the pandemic than they used in the prior year. Beneficiaries’ use of telehealth peaked in April 2020 and remained high through early 2021. Overall, beneficiaries used telehealth to receive 12 percent of their services during the first year of the pandemic. Beneficiaries most commonly used telehealth for office visits, which accounted for just under half of all telehealth services used during the first year of the pandemic. However, beneficiaries’ use of telehealth for behavioral health services stands out. Beneficiaries used telehealth for a larger share of their behavioral health services compared to their use of telehealth for other services. Specifically, beneficiaries used telehealth for 43 percent of behavioral health services, whereas they used telehealth for 13 percent of office visits.

WHAT WE CONCLUDE

Telehealth was critical for providing services to Medicare beneficiaries during the first year of the pandemic. Beneficiaries’ use of telehealth during the pandemic also demonstrates the long-term potential of telehealth to increase access to health care for beneficiaries. Further, it shows that beneficiaries particularly benefited from the ability to use telehealth for certain services, such as behavioral health services. These findings are important for CMS, Congress, and other stakeholders to take into account as they consider making changes to telehealth in Medicare. For example, CMS could use these findings to inform changes to the services that are allowed via telehealth on a permanent basis.

 

2/17 | ASPR National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters​

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Regulatory.

From ASPR on February 14, 2022

The NACCD will conduct an inaugural p​ublic meeting (virtual) on February 17, 2022. The new advisory committee will be sworn in along with the presentation and discussion of challenges, opportunities, and priorities for national public health and medical preparedness, response and recovery, specific to the needs of children and their families in disasters.

Members of the public may attend the meeting via Zoom teleconference, which requires pre-registration, and may provide written comments, submit questions to the NACCD, and provide comments after the meeting by email to NACCD@hhs.​gov.

Draft Agenda
Register

2021 Legislative Priorities Highlights & Wrap Up

Written by Shawn Baird on . Posted in Advocacy Priorities, Legislative, Medicare, Regulatory, Reimbursement.

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Notice on Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee

Written by Tristan North on . Posted in Executive, Government Affairs, News, Regulatory.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has filed for publication in the Federal Register the Solicitation of Nominations Notice for the Ground Ambulance and Patient Billing (GAPB) Advisory Committee. The Notice is scheduled to be included in the Federal Register for tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23.

The Congress created the GAPB Advisory Committee as part of The No Surprises Act enacted last year and currently being implemented by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury. The American Ambulance Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, and the National Volunteer Fire Council successfully advocated that the Congress take into consideration the unique characteristics of ground ambulance services when determining balance billing policy for our services. The Congress excluded ground ambulance services from the provisions of The No Surprises Act and created the GAPB Advisory Committee to address balance billing.

The AAA has identified candidates, including AAA President Baird, who we will be supporting for inclusion on the Advisory Committee who we believe are well-positioned to represent the AAA membership. Once formed, the Advisory Committee has 180 days in which to report its recommendations to the Congress. The directive of the Committee is to review options to “improve the disclosure of charges and fees for ground ambulance services, better inform consumers of insurance options for such services, and protect consumers from balance billing.” We will be keeping the AAA membership continually informed of the actions and deliberations of the GAPB Advisory Committee.

Should you have any questions regarding the GAPB Advisory Committee, please contact AAA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tristan North. He can be reached at tnorth@ambulance.org.

PRF Reporting Grace Period Ending November 30

Written by Scott Moore on . Posted in Finance, Regulatory, Reimbursement.

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It’s Time for EMS to Apply for HHS Provider Relief Fund Tranche 4!

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Executive, Finance, Legislative, Regulatory, Reimbursement.

Recorded October 8, 2021 | Free to All | Speaker: Asbel Montes

The deadline for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) applications is 11:59 PM October 26, 2021. If your EMS agency has not yet applied for funds, the American Ambulance Association strongly encourages you to do so! We are happy to answer member questions, just email hello@ambulance.org. Remember, Amber cost data collection software (www.emsamber.com) access is included with your AAA membership and has a PRF module to help you with your application. If you are an AAA member and need help accessing Amber, email shilker@ambulance.org. HRSA is also hosting a technical assistance webinar for PRF applications on October 13, 2021.

Tranche 4 Application—TIN Validation Error

Written by Brian Werfel on . Posted in Executive, Finance, Legislative, Regulatory.

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OCR Issues Guidance on HIPAA, COVID-19 Vaccinations, and the Workplace

Written by Scott Moore on . Posted in Human Resources, News.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance to help the public understand when the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule applies to disclosures and requests for information about whether a person has received a COVID-19 vaccine.

In the guidance, OCR reminds the public that the HIPAA Privacy Rule does not apply to employers or employment records. The HIPAA Privacy Rule only applies to HIPAA covered entities (health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that conduct standard electronic transactions), and, in some cases, to their business associates.  The HIPAA Privacy Rule applies to most EMS providers but only as it relates to it’s patient’s Protect Health Information (PHI).

Today’s guidance addresses common workplace scenarios and answers questions about whether and how the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies. The Privacy Rule does not apply when an individual:

  • Is asked about their vaccination status by a school, employer, store, restaurant, entertainment venue, or another individual.
  • Asks another individual, their doctor, or a service provider whether they are vaccinated.
  • Asks a company, such as a home health agency, whether its workforce members are vaccinated.

Generally, the Privacy Rule does not regulate what information can be requested from employees as part of the terms and conditions of employment that an employer may impose on its workforce

The Privacy Rule does not prohibit a covered entity or business associate from requiring or requesting each workforce member to:

  • Provide documentation of their COVID-19 or flu vaccination to their current or prospective employer.
  • Sign a HIPAA authorization for a covered health care provider to disclose the workforce member’s COVID-19 or other vaccination record to their employer.
  • Wear a mask–while in the employer’s facility, on the employer’s property, or in the normal course of performing their duties at another location.
  • Disclose whether they have received a COVID-19 vaccine in response to queries from current or prospective patients.

OCR stated that they are issuing this guidance to help consumers, businesses, and health care entities understand when HIPAA applies to disclosures about COVID-19 vaccination status and to ensure that they have the information they need to make informed decisions about protecting themselves and others from COVID-19.

More details about the latest guidance on HIPAA, COVID-19 Vaccinations, and the Workplace may be found at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/hipaa-covid-19-vaccination-workplace/index.html.  If you have questions regarding what information you may or may not share relative to COVID-19 vaccinations, please contact the AAA for assistance.

 

Application Open: COVID-19 Provider Relief Funding

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Executive, Finance, Legislative, Regulatory.

From HHS on September 29, 2021

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has announced a new application cycle for $25.5 billion in COVID-19 provider funding. Applicants will be able to apply for both Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Phase 4 and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Rural payments during the application process. PRF Phase 4 is open to a broad range of providers with changes in operating revenues and expenses. ARP Rural is open to providers who serve rural patients covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
See a detailed list of eligible provider types here.
The application is open now and will close on October 26, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Providers who have previously created an account in the Provider Relief Fund Application and Attestation Portal and have not logged in for more than 90 days will need to first reset their password before starting a new application. In order to streamline the application process and minimize administrative burdens, providers will apply for both programs in a single application.
HHS recently hosted a briefing session to provide information about these upcoming funding opportunities – view the video here. HRSA will also host webinar sessions featuring guidance on how to navigate the application portal. Register now using the links below.
  • Thursday, September 30 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Tuesday, October 5 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Two additional webinars the weeks of October 11th and 18th (dates, times, and registration forthcoming)
 
Real time technical assistance is available by calling the Provider Support Line at (866) 569-3522, for TTY dial 711. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

HHS PRF Tranche 4 | Important Funding Opportunity for EMS Providers

Written by Scott Moore on . Posted in Executive, Finance, Legislative, Regulatory, Webinars.


Speaker: Scott Moore, Esq. | Share on Facebook
This funding opportunity will distribute $25.5 billion in additional Phase 4 General Distribution for EMS agencies and American Rescue Plan (ARP) payments for qualified rural providers who furnish services to Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare beneficiaries. It is critical for all #EMS providers to apply for this funding opportunity regardless of previous funding allocations. We have learned that many EMS providers did not apply for the Tranche 3 funding opportunity because they did not believe that they would be eligible to receive funds under the announced funding formula. Due to the limited number of applicants in Tranche 3, HRSA modified the formula and many who failed to apply would have received funds. We are recommending that all EMS agencies apply to receive the funding that they desperately need. The deadline for applying is 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2021. There is no penalty for applying.

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