What is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
State, local, and federal health officials are continuously monitoring and responding to an on-going outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Cases have been identified globally, including within the United States. Coronaviruses are not a new family of viruses and are common in different species of animals including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. In humans, there are multiple strains that can cause mild respiratory symptoms or even the common cold. In years’ prior, other strains have been associated with SARS and MERS.
Additional Resources
Colorado Healthcare Facilities Urgently Seeking Staff
Colorado hospitals and long term care facilities continue to face a critical shortage of staff to provide ongoing care for both COVID+ and non-COVID patients. Both urban and rural facilities are experiencing increase need for staff due to multiple factors, one of which is the increasing COVID+ health care workers.
Colorado Hospital Association is offering a central registration process for available nursing and respiratory therapy staff. The systems is easy to access and register on and resources will be shared both short-term and long-term for contingency staffing.
Colorado Rural Health Centers are also coordinating a healthcare provider recruitment and retention program for those nurses that are looking for opportunities specifically in rural areas.
To access these links:
ANA Launches Nurse Suicide Prevention & Resilience Resource Site
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed in September, but the need for awareness and resources is not bound by time or date. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is committed to meeting the needs of nurses by offering a NEW Nurse Suicide Prevention and Resilience Resource Site .
Research indicates that nurses are at a much higher risk of suicide than the general public. During this unprecedented time, nurses are struggling with mental health issues like fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress as they respond to COVID-19 and continue to care for all patients. Effectively managing these mental health issues are essential in nurse suicide prevention.
To read more, access the resources and tools, click here.
We encourage all nurses to check out the site, bookmark the pages, and share the resources with a colleague or a friend in need.
Nurses, you are not alone. Help is available. Learn more here.
Workforce Resources
Self Care Resources
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- COVID19.Colorado.Gov Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment & State Emergency Operations Center
CDC Updates
Federal and CMS Update
CMS Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Infection Control, Protective Equipment
The ever-growing list of resources from CMS includes guidance related to particular settings including hospice, SNFs, and home health.
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies -- These guidelines address how to screen home health patients for COVID-19, when staff should avoid home visits, if and when patients with confirmed COVID-19 should be transferred to a hospital, and special consideration for patients requiring therapeutic interventions, among others.
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes (REVISED) -- CMS has provided recommendations for limiting transmission of the virus in skilled nursing facilities, including screening and/or restricting visitors. It also offers information on accepting residents from or transferring residents to hospitals.
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by Hospice Agencies -- The document provides guidelines for screening and treating patients, visitors, and hospice staff for COVID-19, as well as infection control and use of personal protective equipment. CMS recommends coordinating these actions with local health departments.
- Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act Requirements and Implications Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) -- CMS has published guidance to hospitals with emergency departments on patient screening, treatment, and transfer requirements to prevent the spread of infectious disease and illness, including COVID-19. Any hospital that participates in Medicare or Medicaid should follow both CDC guidance for infection control and Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act requirements.
- Medicare Advantage Organizations, Part D Sponsors, and Medicare-Medicaid Plans: Information Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 – COVID-19 -- This memo explains special requirements, permissive actions, relaxation of "refill-too-soon" edits in Medicare Part D, and business continuity plans in Medicare Advantage, among other topics.
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients With Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings -- The CDC recommendations include standard precautions, patient placement for those with known or suspected COVID-19, infection control, monitoring and managing personnel who are ill or have been exposed to the virus, and protocol for reporting between and within health care facilities.
CMS COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet
In response to COVID-19, CMS is empowered to take proactive steps through 1135 waivers and rapidly expand the Administration’s aggressive efforts against COVID-19.
CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
CMS is providing additional guidance to nursing homes to help them improve their infection control and prevention practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including revised guidance for visitation.
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Includes information on protection of workers with high exposure risk and personal protective equipment. Other OSHA information can be found here.
The Joint Commission Information and Resources
Includes regular updates.
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