The federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) has proposed sweeping changes to HIPAA to remove barriers to value-based care, give patients more control over their data and support contact tracing. Plans and providers could use health data much more broadly if it is for care coordination and case management. The proposed changes would also make it easier to do contact tracing for COVID-19, loosening the rules about disclosing information during emergencies, facilitating greater coordination among health companies and family and caregiver involvement. Learn more.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) published a new Health Alert Update. DOH continues to identify many laboratory test results submitted without key variables including patient date of birth, address, and telephone number. These demographic fields are essential for correct jurisdiction assignment and for the timely initiation of case investigations, particularly related to COVID-19 exposures. Providers should always include patient name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and race and ethnicity information when completing the laboratory submission/requisition form for patients. If this information is not included on the laboratory submission/requisition form, the ordering facility should enter these demographic elements into PA-NEDSS as mandated under PA Code, Title 28, Chapter 27. Click here to access all of the 2020 health advisories, alerts, and updates.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health updated its website with information on the COVID-19 public testing information. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 27, drive-thru and indoor walk-in testing clinics will be held in the following counties: Clearfield and Juniata. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 27, drive-thru testing clinics will be held in the following counties: Beaver, Potter, and Schuylkill. No appointment is necessary. Testing is on a first-come, first-serve basis and is completely free to all patients. Patients must be ages three and older and are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 in order to be tested. Up to 450 patients can be tested per day. Mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests will be performed. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card. Registration will also be completed on-site. The turnaround time for testing results is two to seven days after testing.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Dec. 24 published COVID-19 and Treatment Drugs and Biologics Frequently Asked Questions. For a product to be widely used to treat COVID-19, it must either be licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or have received an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). A product that has received an EUA is considered investigational, meaning that studies using the treatment are ongoing. While the product has been reviewed and can be used to treat persons with COVID-19, it is not licensed by the FDA. The term investigational is different from experimental. Experimental refers to treatments provided as part of a defined clinical trial. The FAQs provide information about drugs and biologics that have either been authorized under an EUA or licensed by the FDA. The document is separated by some introductory questions and then by the name of the drug or biologic to provide more detailed information. Substantive changes are shown in red font.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act suspended the payment adjustment percentage of 2% applied to all Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) claims from May 1 through December 31.  The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law on December 27, extends the suspension period to March 31, 2021.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today signed an order directing that a percentage of all vaccine distributions to hospitals, health systems, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and pharmacies be designated for health care personnel within Phase 1A, including those health care personnel working in Emergency Medical Services, that are not affiliated with a hospital or health system. This order goes into effect January 6, 2021.

“Getting Pennsylvanians immunized with a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is an essential step in reducing the number of virus-related cases, hospitalizations and deaths, including all those who continue to take care of us,” Dr. Levine said. “There are nearly one million health care personnel across the commonwealth who work directly or indirectly with patients and are eligible for vaccine initially. The department will continue to follow and update our COVID-19 interim vaccination plan to address how and when all Pennsylvanians can receive their vaccine.”

Health care personnel are defined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. This may include, but is not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, direct support professionals, clinical personnel in school settings or correctional facilities, contractual staff not employed by the health care facility, and persons (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, maintenance, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel) not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted among from health care personnel and patients.

Interested health care personnel not affiliated with a hospital or health system should take the following steps to ensure they can receive the vaccine:

• Review the COVID-19 interim vaccination plan, including Phase 1A sub-prioritization guidance;
• Talk with their employer to identify which type of enrolled COVID-19 vaccine provider is most appropriate;
• Find a participating location if their employer does not assign one;
• Be patient with providers;
• Schedule full vaccine regimen; and
• Provide necessary documentation when being vaccinated.

This order requires providers to designate at least 10 percent of each vaccine shipment received for vaccination of Phase 1A non-hospital affiliated health care personnel.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed as outlined in Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan.There are three phases to vaccinate residents across the commonwealth. The first phase is broken out into three parts starting with 1A for all health care personnel and those working and living in long-term care facilities.

“The vaccination process will take time. We need Pennsylvanians, including health care personnel to be patient as we continue to get the vaccine into the hands of the right people at the right time so we can protect against COVID-19,” Dr. Levine said. “We appreciate the work of our health systems, hospitals, FQHCs and pharmacies for their partnership on this effort to ensure all health care personnel can receive the vaccine. We are hopeful as we move forward, additional vaccines trials will be completed and receive an Emergency Use Authorization, enhancing the number of vaccines we receive.”

You can find more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, guidance and fact sheets for health care personnel and enrolled providers related to this order and the COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan at the Department of Health’s website here.