Combating the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): Week of Oct. 12
Posted on October 17, 2020
The MHA is keeping members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting Michigan hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
Legislative Updates on Replacing Executive Orders
The state Legislature and Whitmer administration have been working to codify in statute, rule or other administrative order various COVID-19-related regulations in response to the Michigan Supreme Court Oct. 2 ruling that limited the governor’s authority to issue executive orders. As Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has been integrally involved in these negotiations, she is expected to approve various bills as the Legislature passes them (see related article). For assistance in identifying the executive orders that have been replaced, contact Adam Carlson at the MHA .
MHA, Public Health Officials Urge Residents to Intensify Prevention Efforts
At an Oct. 13 news conference, MHA CEO Brian Peters joined the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health to provide COVID-19 data updates and urge residents to strengthen their efforts to prevent both COVID-19 and the flu. Peters noted that COVID-19 hospitalizations have recently surged more than 80% and that, without the public’s help to stop the spread, Michigan’s healthcare system could be overwhelmed. (See related article.)
LARA Resident-related Infection Prevention and Control Scenarios
To help address inconsistencies in how state surveyors are assessing the use of personal protective equipment, particularly in nursing homes, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) has created an internal guide titled “Resident-Related Infection Prevention and Control Scenarios.” The guide was developed in partnership with the MDHHS Epidemiology division and will act as a tool for BHCS staff to improve their consistency on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, as many nursing homes have adopted the CDC recommendations as part of their infection control programs. The guide will be continuously updated as changes to the recommendations occur. Members with questions may contact Paige Fults at the MHA.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution FAQs Developed
Following the MDHHS’s release of the COVID-19 vaccine provider agreements Oct. 9, the MHA received many questions on the form. Therefore, the association developed and the MDHHS approved a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document to assist members in completing the agreement, which were to be submitted to the MDHHS by Oct. 16. The MHA will update the FAQs as the vaccine distribution program progresses. Members with questions should contact Ruthanne Sudderth at the MHA.
Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC). Members with MHA-specific questions should contact the following MHA staff members:
Tags: vaccine, LARA, Appel, executive orders, Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic, Bogan, Sudderth, Wood, Carlson, codify, news conference, BCHS, Fults
Posted in: Issues in Healthcare, Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare