Comment period has been extended to August 20.

OSHA extends ETS order comment period

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced July 8 it will extend the comment period for its COVID-19 healthcare emergency temporary standard (ETS) to August 20. As outlined in Subpart U of the ETS, certain healthcare employers must help protect their workers in settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated. Being that Arizona is a “home rule” state, the Arizona Department of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) may adopt standards varying from the OSHA standards. AzHHA held a call July 9 with member chief nursing officers to discuss concerns and potential issues with the implementation of the OSHA guidelines. AzHHA will continue to work with ADOSH to ensure our collective concerns are heard and members have the resources and education needed to remain compliant.

FDA updates Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine fact sheets

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its fact sheets Monday for patients and care providers to include Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a potential side effect of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. In some cases, individuals may develop an increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome during the 42 days following vaccination. In a July 13 update, the FDA reported, “Based on an analysis of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting (VAERS) data, there have been 100 preliminary reports of GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) following vaccination with the Janssen vaccine after approximately 12.5 million doses administered.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet July 22 to discuss Guillain-Barré cases.

Provider Relief Fund reporting deadline for period 1 is approaching

In email communication, the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) sent a reminder to providers who received one or more payments exceeding, in the aggregate, $10,000 in Provider Relief Funds (PRF) during a Payment Received Period to report as part of the post-payment reporting process. Providers required to report have until September 30 to submit their information in the portal for period one. The Provider Relief Fund Reporting Portal is open for reporting on the use of funds. To support providers, HRSA created additional resources to help providers report, including a  stakeholder one-pager and stakeholder toolkit.  

Reminder: COVID-19 surge reporting protocol

Hospitals experiencing a surge in COVID-19 patients and related staff shortages should report your needs to your county public health department. The information is then coordinated with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to help with staffing and hospital survey assistance.

AHCCCS is seeking feedback 

Long-term effects of COVID-19, Palliative Care Telehealth can help

While many individuals with COVID-19 fully recover, some have symptoms lasting weeks or months after they have tested negative and no longer have COVID-19. Although the CDC and other organizations are actively working to learn more about these effects of long COVID-19, patients are living with mild to more serious post-COVID-19 complications. Those experiencing post-COVID-19 complications or symptoms have a no-cost resource for their care that allows them to receive care services in their own home. Palliative Care Telehealth is a referral service that allows patients to consult with a palliative care specialist for symptom management or goals of care. After the consultation, the palliative care specialist will collaborate with the referring provider on any changes to the plan of care. Patient and provider resources and information are available at azhha.org/telehealth.

Upcoming Events

July 19 – Arizona Telemedicine Program: Telemedicine Applications

The Telemedicine Applications workshop offers a more detailed approach for telemedicine programs, providing a more in-depth look at the clinical applications of such programs. Individuals or groups who have some telehealth experience and are interested in expanding services are encouraged to attend. Speakers will cover advanced telemedicine topics through an in-depth look at real-world clinical applications of telemedicine and telehealth, including telepsychiatry, infectious Disease, teleradiology, telehealth physical therapy and telehealth nursing. Register here.

July 28 - HB2454 and the Impact in Arizona for Healthcare Professionals

Join the Arizona Telemedicine Program for a one-hour presentation by Christina Corieri, Governor Ducey’s senior policy advisor, on Arizona’s HB2454 and learn about Governor Ducey’s telemedicine executive orders and their impact on healthcare in Arizona. Register here.

In the News

ACA special enrollment exceeds 2 million 
Becker’s Hospital Review 

FDA Could Make Decision on COVID-19 Vaccine for 6-Month-Olds by End of Year 
Newsweek 

Summer setback: COVID deaths and cases rising again globally 
Associated Press