Apply to become a member of the Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory Committee

 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is recruiting four new members of the Healthcare-Associated Infections Advisory (HAI) Committee. Currently, the committee is requesting applicants for the following positions Medical statistician OR clinical microbiologist with an advanced degree, Representative from a health insurer, Infection control practitioner from a long-term care setting, Representative from a rural hospital. Applicants must be a resident of Colorado and must be able to contribute objectively to committee meetings from the perspective of the position. All interested and qualified individuals should apply. This position will be appointed by the Executive Director of CDPHE for a term of three years. The HAI Advisory Committee was established under Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) 25-3-602 to provide oversight to CDPHE for the collection and public reporting of data on HAI infection rates from health facilities. The committee typically meets every other month on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 2 - 4 p.m. CDPHE facilitates committee meetings using video conferencing. There are 11 members who represent a variety of stakeholders. Membership is voluntary. Participation on the HAI Advisory Committee is a great way to learn about HAIs and play an important role in state public health! We appreciate a diversity of input. Membership is not labor intensive, apart from participating in committee meetings. CDPHE invites qualified persons to complete and submit the fillable application with a resume or curriculum vitae by email to cdphe_hai_ar@state.co.us. You may submit additional pages with the application if needed to answer the “additional questions.” The deadline for submission is October 31, 2025. The CDPHE Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program will review applicants internally before making a recommendation to the Executive Director for appointment. For more information, please see the HAI Advisory Committee Website or contact Chris Czaja MD, DrPH at christopher.czaja@state.co.us or 303-692-2700.

2025 HAI Annual Report is now available

 

To: Facility administrators and infection preventionists From: Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program The 2025 Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Annual Report from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is now available. New in 2025: There is a new dashboard of HAIs in Colorado. The dashboard allows users to quickly view and compare HAIs in reporting health care facilities. It supplements the written HAI annual report. Review the HAI annual report and HAI dashboard, and share them with your stakeholders. We have a communications toolkit with social media and graphics you can share with your health care providers or patients. Email cdphe_hai_ar@state.co.us with questions.

Request for documentation timelines

 

Dear Licensed Healthcare Entities, The department is dedicated to improving the survey process. However, we have encountered a consistent challenge: receiving the requested documentation in a timely manner during surveys or complaint investigations. This delay prolongs the survey and extends the time surveyors need to spend on-site. To improve this process, your cooperation is crucial. Chapter 2 states: 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2, part 2.10.5, the licensee is required to provide, upon request, access to or copies of the following to the Department to facilitate regulatory oversight: (A) Individual client records.   (B) Reports and information required by the Department, which may include staffing reports, census data, statistical information, and any other records specified by the Department. To ensure a smooth process, the department requests that all documentation be provided within 2 hours of the request. If any mitigating circumstances prevent you from meeting this timeline, please communicate this to the surveyors promptly. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Memorandum: Home Care Advisory Meeting Schedule and Technical Guidance and Website Schedule for 2023

 

To: Home and Hospice Care Providers and Consumers of Home Care and Hospice Services   From: Steve Cox, Branch Chief, Home, and Community Facilities     Hello,   Here is the schedule for the 2023 Quarterly HCAC meetings based on the new schedule.   Home Care Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule 2023   Due to the ongoing pandemic and the need to socially distance, and in order to protect all attendees, all meetings will be held virtually utilizing the Zoom conference format until further notice. Each committee member will receive a special login for the Zoom meeting as a panelist. Public comment will occur at the end of the meeting and public attendees will be invited to speak at that time.   Schedule- Home Care Advisory Meetings are held Quarterly Thursday, Jan 19, 2023,                       1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023,                     1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 20, 2023,                      1:30 to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023,                1:30 to 4:00 p.m. To attend online: Description: The Home Care Advisory Committee members meet to review and discuss the rules that govern the licensing of home health/care agencies in the State of Colorado and make recommendations to both the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the State Board of Health. Currently, the advisory meetings are held quarterly for two hours.   Zoom webinars When: Jan 19, 2023 13:30 Mountain Time (US and Canada)     Every 3 months on the Third Thu, until Oct 19, 2023, 4 occurrence(s)     Jan 19, 2023 13:30     Apr 20, 2023 13:30     Jul 20, 2023 13:30     Oct 19, 2023 13:30     Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.     Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/tZ0sd-ChrzwvGdIEzajdd5ea_zqMYlEY3qAx/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGhrzsjE9WStRqBRpx5BYigXfPzmGZYjad0uQXkCSRXNwb3CfhTH4tzNeGD Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89109917536?pwd=Um85M0Zkb2d0ZXBlODdmYU5wSHdvZz09 Passcode: 594872   Or One tap mobile: US: +17193594580 Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 719 359 4580 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782  Webinar ID: 891 0991 7536 Passcode: 594872   XXXXXXXX   Here is the schedule for the TECHNICAL GUIDANCE/WEBSITE   Home Care Advisory Committee Technical Guidance/Website Meeting Schedule 2023   Due to the ongoing pandemic and the need to socially distance, and in order to protect all attendees, all meetings will be held virtually utilizing the Zoom conference format until further notice. Each committee member will receive a special login for the Zoom meeting as a panelist. Public comment will occur at the end of the meeting and public attendees will be invited to speak at that time.   Schedule- Home Care Advisory Technical Guidance/Website Meetings are held monthly between Quarterly meetings Thursday, Feb 16, 2023,                       1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 16, 2023,                   1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023,                       1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023,                     1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug 17, 2023,                       1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept 21, 2023,                      1:30 to 3:00 p.m.   To attend online: Description: The HCAC members and community meet to discuss and provide technical guidance to be presented in the website. This meeting is held every month except on the Quarterly HCAC Meeting dates on the third Thursday for an hour and a half (1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Zoom webinar Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86846259431?pwd=MmhBTTlxanRIZDdPVHZqamx2a3RBQT09 Passcode: 902361 Or One tap mobile: US: +17193594580 Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 205 0468  Webinar ID: 868 4625 9431 Passcode: 902361     Please reach out to Erica McClurg, Section Manager for Home Care and Hospice, or Steve Cox, Branch Chief for Home and Community Facilities if you have any questions.   erica.mcclurg@state.co.us   steve.cox@state.co.us

March 2, 2023— Stakeholder Meeting Concerning The House Bill 1294 & House Bill 22- 1401

 

To: All Stakeholders  From: HFEMSD  The next House Bill (HB) 1294 Stakeholder Forum Meeting is scheduled for March 2, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00pm. For this meeting, we will continue our conversation regarding rule changes in 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2 as it relates to the passage of House Bill 22-1401- Hospital Nurse Staffing Standards. We will focus on the Stakeholder process for reviewing the proposed updated rule language.   The rule changes for 6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 2 – General Licensure Standards have two parts. The first part affects all licensed health facilities, and brings into rule the requirement from Public Health Order 20-20 that facilities maintain an infectious disease, vaccine, and mitigation plan. The second part affects the following residential care facility types: All facilities licensed under 6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 7, e.g. Assisted Living Residences All facilities licensed under 6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 5, e.g. Skilled Nursing Facilities All facilities licensed under 6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 8, e.g. Facilities for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Group Homes, and Intermediate Care Facilities This second part brings into rule the requirement from Public Health Order 20-20 that requires those facilities to appoint an infection control officer, and that appointee’s duties related to infection control and the mitigation of infectious diseases. To participate, we have a number of resource links below.  HB 22-1401 Meeting Folder (includes meeting information  and invite/communication sign-up)  HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum Website (includes meeting information  and invite/communication sign-up)  Agenda Item Request Form   When:  Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 2:00- 3:00 p.m.  Where: This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83216415362 Meeting ID: 832 1641 5362 One tap mobile +17193594580,,83216415362# US +16694449171,,83216415362# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k9HAnr6w5 If you have any further questions or comments prior to the meeting please contact Tonie Miller at tonie.miller@state.co.us For more information on the purpose and function of the HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum:  The House Bill 1294 Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue and transparency for all licensed healthcare facilities' issues of interest and concern. This forum is statutorily required for such purpose and had been postponed since the onset of the COVID pandemic.  During this time a smaller, Subject Matter Expert (SME) group members wishing to have ongoing discussions with the department about policy-level questions, issues regarding the financial impact of the pandemic, reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers, long-term planning to deal with healthcare worker shortages, and how to bring more people into the workforce was established.  Members of this group are encouraged to continue these discussions through the re-establishment of the HB 12-1294 Stakeholder Forum. Additionally, pursuant to C.R.S 25-3-113, the Stakeholder Forum consists of representatives from various types of provider facilities licensed by the department along with consumers, consumer advocates, ombudsmen, and other interested parties which meet at least four times each year for the Department to discuss and take into consideration the concerns and issues of interest to the forum members and other attendees regarding the development and implementation of rules and other matters that affect all licensed health care facilities.  Meetings are generally held virtually monthly, on the 1st Thursday of each month.

Resources to Help Providers Plan for the End of the COVID-19 National Emergency Declarations

 

To: All Health Care Providers From: Greg Schlosser, Branch Chief, Health Facility Education and Quality On January 30, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency (PHE) declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11, 2023. To help you prepare for the end of the PHE and the flexibilities enabled during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has resources available, some of which have been updated based on recent action by Congress.  The following materials reflect recent changes and are currently available on the CMS Emergencies Page: Provider-specific fact sheets for information about COVID-19 Public Health Emergency(PHE) waivers and flexibilities: https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers CMS 1135 Waiver / Flexibility Request and Inquiry Form: https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/cms_1135 Acute Hospital At Home: https://qualitynet.cms.gov/acute-hospital-care-at-home Please note that two programs initiated during the PHE have been extended through 2023, thanks to Congress’s passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023: these extensions include the major telehealth waivers and the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) individual waiver that was initiated during the PHE. CMS will continue to provide updates in upcoming months, and we encourage you to regularly visit the CMS Emergencies Page for the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us.

February 2, 2023— Stakeholder Meeting Concerning The House Bill 1294 & House Bill 22- 1401

 

To: All Stakeholders  From: HFEMSD  The next House Bill (HB) 1294 Stakeholder Forum Meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00pm. For this meeting, we will be hosting a townhall style conversation regarding an upcoming 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2 February emergency rulemaking hearing with the Board of Health as it relates to the passage of House Bill 22-1401- Hospital Nurse Staffing Standards. While much of this bill directs the Department to develop rules for hospitals, a section of the bill relates to the development of rules for infectious disease control and mitigation of infectious spread for COVID-19, Flu, and other communicable diseases, testing, vaccinations, and treatment for all licensed health facilities.  For this meeting content, the Department will be focusing on the unique circumstances in residential care facilities and will present emergency rules drafted from a portion of the guidance already in place through Public Health Order (PHO) 20-20 – Requirements for Colorado Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Residences, Intermediate Care Facilities and Group Homes for COVID-19 Prevention and Response as these measures have proven to be effective in the reduction of outcomes related to COVID-19. To participate, we have a number of resource links below.   HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum Website (includes meeting information  and invite/communication sign-up)  Agenda Item Request Form   When:  Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 2:00- 3:00 p.m.  Where: This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83216415362 Meeting ID: 832 1641 5362 One tap mobile +17193594580,,83216415362# US +16694449171,,83216415362# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k9HAnr6w5 If you have any further questions or comments prior to the meeting please contact Tonie Miller at tonie.miller@state.co.us For more information on the purpose and function of the HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum:  The House Bill 1294 Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue and transparency for issues of interest and concern to all licensed healthcare facilities. This forum is statutorily required for such purpose and had been postponed since the onset of the COVID pandemic.  During this time a smaller, Subject Matter Expert (SME) group members wishing to have ongoing discussions with the department about policy-level questions, issues regarding the financial impact of the pandemic, reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers, long-term planning to deal with healthcare worker shortages, and how to bring more people into the workforce was established.  Members of this group are encouraged to continue these discussions through the re-establishment of the HB 12-1294 Stakeholder Forum. Additionally, pursuant to C.R.S 25-3-113, the Stakeholder Forum consists of representatives from various types of provider facilities licensed by the department along with consumers, consumer advocates, ombudsmen, and other interested parties which meet at least four times each year for the Department to discuss and take into consideration the concerns and issues of interest to the forum members and other attendees regarding the development and implementation of rules and other matters that affect all licensed health care facilities.  Meetings are generally held virtually monthly, on the 1st Thursday of each month.

February 2, 2023— Stakeholder Meeting Concerning The House Bill 1294 & House Bill 22- 1401

To: All Stakeholders  From: HFEMSD  The next House Bill (HB) 1294 Stakeholder Forum Meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2023, from 2:00 to 3:00pm. For this meeting, we will be hosting a town-hall style conversation regarding an upcoming 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter 2 February emergency rulemaking hearing with the Board of Health as it relates to the passage of House Bill 22-1401- Hospital Nurse Staffing Standards. While much of this bill directs the Department to develop rules for hospitals, a section of the bill relates to the development of rules for infectious disease control and mitigation of infectious spread for COVID-19, Flu, and other communicable diseases, testing, vaccinations, and treatment for all licensed health facilities.  For this meeting content, the Department will be focusing on the unique circumstances in residential care facilities and will present emergency rules drafted from a portion of the guidance already in place through Public Health Order (PHO) 20-20 – Requirements for Colorado Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Residences, Intermediate Care Facilities and Group Homes for COVID-19 Prevention and Response as these measures have proven to be effective in the reduction of outcomes related to COVID-19. We will also present emergency rule language related to the infectious disease mitigation, vaccine, and treatment plan requirements for all facilities  To participate, we have a number of resource links below.   HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum Website (includes meeting information  and invite/communication sign-up)  Agenda Item Request Form  When:  Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 2:00- 3:00 p.m.  Where: This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83216415362 Meeting ID: 832 1641 5362 One tap mobile +17193594580,,83216415362# US +16694449171,,83216415362# US Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k9HAnr6w5 If you have any further questions or comments prior to the meeting please contact Tonie Miller at tonie.miller@state.co.us For more information on the purpose and function of the HB 1294 Stakeholder Forum:  The House Bill 1294 Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity to promote dialogue and transparency for issues of interest and concern to all licensed healthcare facilities. This forum is statutorily required for such purpose and had been postponed since the onset of the COVID pandemic.  During this time a smaller, Subject Matter Expert (SME) group members wishing to have ongoing discussions with the department about policy-level questions, issues regarding the financial impact of the pandemic, reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers, long-term planning to deal with healthcare worker shortages, and how to bring more people into the workforce was established.  Members of this group are encouraged to continue these discussions through the re-establishment of the HB 12-1294 Stakeholder Forum. Additionally, pursuant to C.R.S 25-3-113, the Stakeholder Forum consists of representatives from various types of provider facilities licensed by the department along with consumers, consumer advocates, ombudsmen, and other interested parties which meet at least four times each year for the Department to discuss and take into consideration the concerns and issues of interest to the forum members and other attendees regarding the development and implementation of rules and other matters that affect all licensed health care facilities.  Meetings are generally held virtually monthly, on the 1st Thursday of each month.

Memorandum: Home Care Advisory Meeting dates for 9/15 and 12/15

 

To: Home and Hospice Care Providers and Consumers of Home Care and Hospice Services   From: Erica McClurg, Home and Community Facilities Services Manager   Hello,   Here are the Zoom links to all the following meetings, copy and paste the zoom links into your browser for access:   ***Thursday, September 15, 2022, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.   You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Sep 15, 2022 13:30 Mountain Time (US and Canada) Topic: Home Care Advisory Committee Meeting   Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_l6wScVHwR3CjYcDELazNDg   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.   ***Thursday, December 15, 2022, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.   You are invited to a Zoom webinar. When: Dec 15, 2022 12:00 Mountain Time (US and Canada) Topic: Technical Guidance/Website   Register in advance for this webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zvvAGEY1SsyYIhNPG0alSQ   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.     Please reach out to Erica McClurg, Section Manager for Home Care and Hospice or Steve Cox, Branch Chief for Home and Community Facilities if you have any questions.   erica.mcclurg@state.co.us   steve.cox@state.co.us

CMS Revised Emergency Preparedness Guidance For In-Patient and Out-Patient Providers Related to Exercise Exemption based on A Facility's Activation of their Emergency Plan

 

Message to: Administrators, Executive Directors   From: Melanie Roth Lawson, Trainer and Emergency Response Coordinator     Re: CMS Provides Guidance and Clarifications on Emergency Preparedness Exercise Exemptions for Inpatient and Outpatient Providers Due to Ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)   Note: The updated guidance only applies if your facility is still currently operating under its activated emergency plan or reactivated its emergency plan for COVID-19 in 2021 or 2022.   CMS recognizes many facilities are still operating under an activated emergency plan during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. For those facilities, they are providing more guidance for inpatient and outpatient providers/suppliers, consistent with the exercise exemption authorized by the EP regulations.   To view the document, go here (URL https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-41-all-revised-05262022.pdf)   All of the changes are in RED.   This exemption states that during or after an actual emergency, the regulations allow for a one-year exemption from the requirement that the facility perform testing exercises. This exemption applies to the next required full-scale exercise only, not the exercise of choice, based on your facility's 12-month exercise cycle.   Please see the attached CMS guidance document. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us or call 720-291-5929.

Memorandum: Home Care advisory Meeting agenda and meeting dates

 

To: Home and Hospice Care Providers and Consumers of Home Care and Hospice Services   From: Steve Cox, Branch Chief, Home and Community Facilities     The Home Care Advisory Committee meets quarterly and our first meeting is coming up fast. The first meeting of 2022 is March 17th, 1:30-4:00. Attached to this message are the quarterly meeting dates and the agenda for the March 17th meeting.   Please reach out to Erica McClurg, Section Manager for Home Care and Hospice or Steve Cox, Branch Chief for Home and Community Facilities if you have any questions.   erica.mcclurg@state.co.us   steve.cox@state.co.us Agenda Schedule

Memorandum: HCAC Membership Application

 

To: Home and Hospice Care Providers and Consumers of Home Care and Hospice Services   From: Steve Cox, Branch Chief, Home and Community Facilities   The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is currently accepting applications for the Home Care Advisory Committee.   Per statutory requirements, the Home Care Advisory Committee members serve on a voluntary basis and are appointed by the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This committee represents providers and consumers of home care and hospice services, the Colorado commission on the aging, county, district, or municipal public health agencies, or local boards of health, and consumer and other agencies and organizations providing service to or concerned with residents of home care and hospice.   The Home Care Advisory Committee members meet to review and discuss the rules that govern the licensing of home health/care agencies in the State of Colorado and make recommendations to both the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the State Board of Health. Currently, the advisory meetings are held quarterly for two hours.   We are currently looking for representation from small, rural, medical, and non-medical private pay, independent ownership, PACE agencies, and consumers.   The deadline for submission is March 11, 2022.   If you are interested in serving as a committee member, please complete the application included with this notice and Fax or mail or email to:   Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246 ATTENTION: Erica McClurg erica.mcclurg@state.co.us Fax: 303-753-6214 HCAC Application