Knowledge Base Article

MMP remains committed to continuing to monitor for COVID-19 updates specific to our reader base. This week we highlight key updates spanning from September 22nd through 30th.

Resource Spotlight: FDA Video – Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments

The FDA announced in their September 21, 2020 COVID-19 Daily Roundup the release of a new video, Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments, explaining “there are currently no FDA-approved drugs or vaccines to treat or prevent COVID-19. Products that fraudulently claim to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent COVID-19 haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness for such use, and they might be dangerous to you and your family.”

September 22, 2020: Deaths in U.S. Tops 200,000

The American Hospital, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association released a joint statement marking this “somber milestone” and urging everyone to get their flu shot early.

September 23, 2020: $200 Million from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to Jurisdictions for COVID-19 Vaccine Preparedness

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the CDC’s action of providing $200 million to 64 jurisdictions for COVID-19 vaccine preparedness to help states prepare for the COVID-19 vaccine.  “Notices of Awards will be issued on September 23, 2020, and all 64 jurisdictions will receive funding, with the amount each jurisdiction receives determined by a population-based formula.”

September 23, 2020: CMS Call to Action – Drastic Decline in Care for Children in Medicaid and CHIP due to COVID-19

CMS preliminary Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) data analysis reveals that, during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), rates for vaccinations, primary and preventative services have steeply declined. Specifically, compared to the same time period in 2019:

• 22% fewer (1.7 million) vaccinations received by beneficiaries up to age 2,
• 44% fewer (3.2 million) child screening services assessing physical and cognitive development, and
• 69% fewer (7.6 million) dental services.

CMS indicates in a Press Release that they are “releasing this preliminary data to raise awareness of the vital services Medicaid and CHIP provides, and calling on stakeholders to take action to make services more readily available so that we can begin closing the gap in care for children.”

September 23, 2020: FDA Authorizes First Point-of-Care Antibody Test for COVID-19

First authorized for emergency use by certain labs in July, the FDA reissued the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Device for Point of Care (POC) use using finger stick blood samples. FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. noted in the FDA

News Release that “Authorizing point-of-care serology tests will enable more timely and convenient results for individuals who want to understand if they have previously been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.”

September 24, 2020: MLNConnects COVID-19 Resources

CMS announced in the September 24th MLNConnects newsletter that “the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) released an Express message with new resources:  

• Maintaining Healthcare Safety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Health care professionals share their experiences
• Critical Care Load-Balancing Operational Template and Considerations for Assessing Regional Patient Effects: Resources to help jurisdictions manage Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient surge
• Behavioral Health Compendium: Grants; online resources and trainings; waivers and flexibilities; and data sources for regional emergency coordinators, federal, and state planners.”

September 25, 2020: New Tools to Streamline Certification for Labs Testing for COVID-19

CMS announced the release of new tools for labs seeking Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification to test for COVID-19. The announcement includes a link to a quick-start guide outlining the steps that must be followed to apply for and receive CLIA certification.

CDC COVID Data Tracker – United States COVID-19 Cases