On November 22, 2022, CMS issued QSO-23-03-All (PDF) highlighting the importance of providing timely access to available COVID-19 therapeutics to patients who test positive for the virus. Treatments, including oral antiviral drugs, can prevent serious illness and save the lives of high-risk individuals who are at risk of severe complications

DQA also released a review and recommendations based on this QSO memo and giving the following summary:

Memorandum Summary

• Providers and suppliers, especially those delivering care in congregate care settings, should ensure their patients and residents are protected against transmission of COVID-19 within their facilities, as well as receiving appropriate treatment after testing positive for the virus.
• Further, all providers and suppliers should continue to implement appropriate infection control protocols for COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control.html and Influenza https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/index.htm
• This memo discusses the importance of the timely use of available COVID-19 therapeutics, particularly for high-risk patients who test positive for the virus.

Bivalent Booster Administration

WHCA/WiCAL has been informed that NHSN documentation indicates that multiple facilities have not reported administration of the Bivalent vaccine.  We are encouraging all facilities to double check their  NHSN information and make sure your documentation is correct.

Importantly, WHCA/WiCAL is working with the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin to maximize Influenza and COVID 19 booster vaccination.  Members of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin have offered to work with WHCA/WiCAL members to schedule influenza and COVID 19 clinics in your facilities. If you are interested in hosting/scheduling a clinic for residents and staff, please contact Ryan Psyck at the Pharmacy Society, ryanp@pswi.org to schedule.

For more information or questions regarding this initiative, please reach out to Jena Jackson at jena@whcawical.org, Jim Stoa at jstoa@whcawical.org or Rick Abrams at rick@whcawical.org.