Des Moines Register Publishes LAI Guest Column Defending LTC Providers

The April 26, Sunday edition of the Des Moines Register featured a Guest Opinion column by Shannon Strickler, President/CEO of LAI highlighting the importance of the professionals at the front line in the fight against COVID-19 and defending the industry from unjust attacks from the media inferring blame on LTC providers for the rise and spread of the virus.

The column shared, “These caregivers come to work every day, when staying at home would be so much safer. They put their lives, and their own families, at risk because they love their work and are committed to their residents. They feel called to help fight this virus so residents can continue living meaningful lives long after this pandemic becomes a distant memory.”

When defending LAI members during COVID-19, Shannon wanted to keep the argument grounded in facts, “There are many reasons, documented by experts, why COVID-19 spreads so quickly within LTC providers.  By design, these care settings are home to a high concentration of older adults with serious underlying health conditions who live in a communal environment and require hands-on assistance with basic activities of daily living like dressing and bathing. Further, the virus can be spread by asymptomatic carriers, so it’s an invisible enemy.”

The column ends with a call to action asking members of the public to support LTC providers and recognize their importance in the health care system.

Full text is listed below:

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CMP Grants Available for Communication Devices  

First referenced in QSO letter 20-28, CMS is allowing for small CMP grants for nursing facilities to be used for the purchase of communicative devices, such as tablets and web-cams, to increase the ability for nursing homes to help residents stay connected with loved ones. The money will be limited to purchase one device for every 7 to 10 residents with a maximum of $3,000 per a facility. Applicants may also include request for reasonable accessories in their applications, such as screen protectors, and device covers (but the total cost for devices and accessories must remain under $3000). 

Additionally, these devices can be used to help residents attend telehealth visits with practitioners.  

CMS has provided additional guidance on the CMP grant program for communicative technology request and DIA has provided the forms needed to apply: 

• Application FAQs for State Medicaid Agencies 
• CMP Reinvestment Application Template 
• Communicative Technology Application Approval Letter Template