Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Special Communications

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many hospitals and health systems are expanding telehealth services. In addition, addressing mental health needs during this crisis is becoming increasingly important. In part one of this AHA Advancing Health podcast, Jay Bhatt, D.O., senior vice president and chief medical officer of the AHA, discusses the value of telehealth to address behavioral health issues and poses questions for leadership teams with Shantanu Agrawal, M.D., president and CEO of the National Quality Forum, and Arpan Waghray, M.D., executive medical director for behavioral medicine at Swedish Health Services in Seattle and chief medical officer at Well Being Trust. The AHA and NQF partnered to create Redesigning Care: A How-To Guide for Telebehavioral Health.

The AHA urges the Department of Health and Human Services to clarify its and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act waivers issued under the public health and national emergency declarations. These declarations allow waivers consistent with section 1135 of the Social Security Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is implementing a simplified online Public Assistance program application process for eligible government entities and certain private non-profit organizations. To assist hospitals and health systems better understand the process for applying for PA funding, the AHA worked with Jones Day to produce this advisory with additional details.

Hospitals and health systems are rapidly expanding their digital platforms to address COVID-19. During a March 20 call with hospital executives from across the country, leaders from Providence St. Joseph Health System in Seattle shared the organization’s digital strategy in response to the influx of patients due to COVID-19.

VACCINE, HVAC/NEGATIVE PRESSURE, CONSTRUCTION, LIFE SAFETY/STAFF SAFETY, DISINFECTION, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, FILTRATION, & ALTERNATE CARE SITES.

Physicians, nurses and our entire medical community are urging all people to stay at home. We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible. But we need your help.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) March 23

A succinct reference guide on how to deploy new PCs safely - developed by Mitch Parker, Chief Information Security Officer, Indiana University Health, in collaboration with John Riggi, AHA Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk. March 23, 2020

The latest information and resources for hospital and health system leaders related to telehealth and virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A webinar resource “Renown Health’s Approach to Keeping the Community Safe, Communicating on COVID-19.

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) March 22 published additional information focused on mitigating disruptions to or shortages in the v

AHA urges the Department of Labor to accurately define “health care provider” when promulgating regulations implementing key sections of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and clarify how this policy will be operationalized, including how it interacts with state law

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today it is granting a range of data reporting exceptions and extensions across its quality reporting and value-based payment programs for hospitals, post-acute care facilities and clinicians.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has introduced the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, (CARES/ S. 3548). This bill is the third large-scale congressional effort in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

A Special Message for Health Care HR and Operational Leaders: It is imperative that we consider thinking differently about certain policies, procedures and guidelines. Under no circumstances should we change policies that are critical to keeping staff, patients and communities safe. Here are some areas we should review in light of current circumstances.

America’s hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses urge you to immediately use the DPA to increase the domestic production of medical supplies and equipment that hospitals, health systems, physicians, nurses and all front line providers so desperately need. As COVID-­‐19 continues to spread throughout the country, these supplies are urgently needed to care for our patients and communities.

Negative Pressure Room Guidelines: Learn about the importance of temporary negative pressure patient rooms and how to achieve it in your facility.

AHA, others urge President to immediately use Defense Production Act to increase domestic production of medical supplies. The AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses