Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Visit this website daily for the latest information that AHCA has to share about COVID-19. As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working with our state partners, including Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Department of Human Services to ensure nursing centers receive necessary guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.

Questions? Email covid19@arhealthcare.com

Click here for PPE Survey.

Click here for Child Care Survey.

Arkansas Updates

DHS Weekly Provider Call for Nursing Homes - Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. - Call 1-774-220-4000; ID: 493-5008

DHS Weekly Provider Call for Assisted Living Facilities - Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. - Call 1-774-220-4000; ID: 604-7164

Following a declaration of a State of Emergency by President Trump on March 13, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance via a memorandum that is based on the newest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It directs nursing homes to significantly restrict visitors and nonessential personnel, as well as restrict communal activities inside nursing homes. All individuals other than essential health care staff and visits for end-of-life situations, should no longer enter skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) until further notice.

Effective immediately, the Arkansas Department of Health directs all long-term care facilities to prohibit all visitation for thirty (30) days unless medically necessary or by law enforcement or other emergency personnel, a representative from the Arkansas Department of Health, a representative from the Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Long-term Care, or a representative from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Mar. 13, 2020)

Please note: A long-term care facility is defined by section 20-10-101(10) of the Arkansas Code and includes nursing homes, residential care facilities, and assisted living facilities. 

Arkansas Department of Health

ADH COVID-19 Status Updates - STATEWIDE MAP

Department of Labor

Wright Lindsey Jennings Resources

  • 4.3.2020 Webinar Slides
  • Click here to listen to a recording of the 4.3.2020 webinar
  • DOL FFCRA Poster
  • Paycheck Protection Program & Other Business Support
  • Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Summary
  • Question: As an employer, how do I know if my business is under the 500-employee threshold and therefore must provide paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave?
    • You have fewer than 500 employees if, at the time your employee's leave is to be taken, you employ fewer than 500 full-time and part-time employees within the United States, which includes any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any Territory or possession of the United States. In making this determination, you should include employees on leave; temporary employees who are jointly employed by you and another employer (regardless of whether the jointly-employed employees are maintained on only your another employer's payroll); and day laborers supplied by a temporary agency (regardless of whether you are the temporary agency or the client firm if there is a continuing employment relationship). Workers who are independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), rather than employees, are not considered employees for purposes of the 500-employee threshold.
    • Typically, a corporation (including its separate establishments or divisions) is considered to be a single employer and its employees must each be counted towards the 500-employee threshold. Where a corporation has an ownership interest in another corporation, the two corporations are separate employers unless they are joint employers under the FLSA with respect to certain employees. If two entities are found to be joint employers, all of their common employees must be counted in determining whether paid sick leave must be provided under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and expanded family and medical leave must be provided under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.
    • In general, two or more entities are separate employers unless they meet the integrated employer test under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). If two entities are an integrated employer under the FMLA, then employees of all entities making up the integrated employer will be counted in determining employer coverage for purposes of paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and expanded family and medical leave under the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.

Guidance

Well-Being of Residents & Staff

AHCA/NCAL Communications

Providers

  • Review infection prevention and control policies and procedures for droplet precautions among residents and staff. 
  • Prepare Staff
  • Restrict all non-essential individuals from visiting your facility for the time being.
    • Explain this to residents' family members and friends.
      • Use our template letter to inform them ahead of time.
      • Use our sample notice in English or Spanish to post at your main entrance or share with visitors who come to the building.
    • Set up/help facilitate alternative forms of communication for residents: video, phone, or other methods.
  • Screen individuals who need to enter the building - including staff - for possible exposure to COVID-19. Use this checklist and screening tool.
    • Any individual who checks YES to any questions on the screening tool should not be permitted to enter the facility.
    • Any individuals that is permitted to enter should wash their hands and use hand sanitizer upon entrance and throughout their stay.
    • Use this template log for personnel to track employees & temps coming into the facility.
  • Restrict group activities within and outside the building.
    • Cancel trips into the community at-large.
    • Restrict group activities and communal dining within the facility.
    • Cancel activities with outside volunteers (e.g., school bands/choirs, pet therapists).
  • Take stock of your PPE. Complete our PPE Survey.
  • Communicate, communicate, communicate
    • Make sure you have current emergency contact information for family members and loved ones.
    • Keep residents and family members informed about efforts you're taking and any new developments.
    • Contact Rachel Bunch or Cat Hamilton at the Arkansas Health Care Association if you receive media inquiries.

If a staff member shows symptoms: Have them put on a mask and go home immediately.

If a resident shows symptoms: Implement droplet precaution procedure, move them to an isolated room, and contact your Medical Director, ADH, and AHCA.

Visitor / Staff Screenings

Supplies

CDC Resources

Signage

Additional Resources

ADH COVID-19 Status Updates - STATEWIDE MAP
Arkansas Health Care Association
Arkansas Health Care Association
Arkansas Health Care Association