On May 6, 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) issued DPH Numbered Memo BCD 2022-07 regarding the use of COVID-19 Oral Antivirals Medications for Long-Term Care Residents. The information was intended as guidance to medical and administrative staff of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Wisconsin.

Statewide data shows that there continues to be a low use of COVID-19 antivirals in Wisconsin. To better understand potential prescribing barriers, the DHS COVID Response Team would like to know about the use of COVID antiviral medication in facilities.

On upcoming nursing home surveys conducted by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), you may be asked to complete a short survey asking if your nursing home has nursing protocols for COVID antiviral administration and physician protocols for antiviral prescribing. The information you provide will be sent to the DHS COVID Response Team and will not be used for regulatory purposes. DHS encourages nursing homes that do not have COVID antiviral protocols in place to work closely with their Medical Directors to develop and implement the protocols using information in DPH Numbered Memo BCD 2022-07.

Questions

Please contact your Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care Regional Office.