The number of hospitalizations in Michigan due to confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19 was the lowest since early November during the week of Jan. 31. However, with 2,882 adults and 70 children hospitalized Feb. 4 with confirmed and suspected COVID-19, some facilities in the state continue to be filled to or near capacity.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
Application for Long-term Care Facilities to Care for COVID-19 Patients Extended
As a result of MHA advocacy, the state recently issued new guidance extending the application period for long-term care facilities to care for COVID-19 patients through Feb. 28. The guidance will ease the process of discharging COVID-19 patients from hospitals to nursing facilities. Additionally, in a change from previous policy, long-term care facilities that applied last year and remain in good standing are authorized to retain their status through the new application deadline.
The COVID Recovery Center and the COVID Relief Facility (CRF) programs were established under Michigan Public Act 231 of 2020. These programs were designed to ensure Michigan’s nursing homes were prepared to provide care to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 under transmission-based precautions within the guidelines and best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Michigan’s nursing homes must be reviewed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to ensure they meet the minimum criteria outlined within the legislation and associated MDHHS policies.
Michigan now has 54 Tier-2 CRFs able to take COVID-19 patients from hospitals at discharge if their normal nursing facility isn’t able to accommodate the patient, up from just 27 CRFs in late 2021. Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson.
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).