‘TRACIE’ Technical Resource Webinar on PPE
The Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE), along with the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, will hold a September 24 webinar (2:30 to 4 p.m.) on “COVID-19: Optimizing Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies.” registration is here.
OIG FAQs: Blood Draws by HHA Staff to Assisted Living Residents
On Sept. 3, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) updated its COVID-19 FAQs. One of the updates for home health agencies (HHAs) involves: “provision of free blood draws by home health agency staff members to assisted living facility residents who are not patients of the HHA.” In its answer, OIG says that this facilitation of blood draws would “present a low risk of fraud and abuse” and “may improve access to care and promote patient safety during the current pandemic” as long as certain conditions are met. Please read the full FAQ for details.
Earlier this year, OIG introduced a process for health care providers to submit questions regarding its administrative enforcement authority over arrangements directly connected to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The OIG’s responses to submitted questions are available online.
Members are advised to consult their counsel before initiating the FAQ process or relying upon published FAQs within their own agency.