Technical Request Regarding Incoming Email

 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics sends periodic reminders/requests to facility IT staff to ensure email communications are allowed (not blocked, refused, spam/junk, etc.) from the below addresses: cdphe.vitalrecords411@state.co.us cdphe_vitalrecords411@state.co.us cdphe.coves@state.co.us  noReply@cohosting-by-genesis.com The first two are from our office directly and are used to communicate monthly regarding birth and death completion and signing, reminders, updates, etc. The third is from our office directly and is used to provide system and technical support of the COVES system (Colorado Vital Events System) regarding vital event reporting. The fourth is from our COVES system vendor and provides time-critical email notices regarding death records to be completed and signed, multi-factor authentication login codes, etc. Recipients may include staff/supervisors/managers involved with vital event reporting, physicians, advance practice nurses, physician assistants and other medical professionals. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Michelle Cowell, Field Unit Supervisor, Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics at michelle.cowell@state.co.us. Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice CDPHE | 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South | Denver, CO 80246 US

Your input needed: Update List of Supplemental Healthcare Staffing Agencies

 

To: Facility Administrators From: CDPHE, HCPF, and CDLE It’s time to update the list of Supplemental Healthcare Staffing Agencies that healthcare facilities are using in Colorado.  Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 8-4-125 requires staffing agencies providing services in Colorado to healthcare facilities that are licensed by the Department of Public Health and Environment pursuant to C.R.S. § 25-1.5-103(1)(a) to submit semi-annual reports to the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics (DLSS). DLSS shares the data submitted with the Colorado Departments of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). To identify which SHSAs need to report, CDPHE and HCPF gather information about the staffing agencies they utilize from healthcare facilities. If you are licensed under C.R.S. § 25-1.5-103(1)(a), please complete this Healthcare Provider Questionnaire on or before March 28, 2025.   For further information contact the DLSS Reporting and Accountability Programs by email at acdle_health_staffing@state.co.us or phone (720) 235-8291.

Colorado Hospital Preparedness Survey—Please Complete ASAP

 

To: Infection preventionists, chief medical officers, and emergency managers From: CDPHE’s HAI/AR Program Pursuant to its authority to monitor the spread of disease related to emergency epidemics as described in Sec. 25-1.5-102(1)(b)(I), C.R.S. and further to conduct disease control investigations in accordance with and subject to Sec. 25-1-122, C.R.S., the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is asking for your assistance in completing the following survey related to special pathogen preparedness and control.  Hospital Preparedness Survey The survey pertains to a patient with a special pathogen, including viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) such as Ebola Virus Disease, Marburg Virus Disease, or Lassa Fever. Travelers returning from VHF outbreak countries to Colorado might or might not be monitored by public health. If a traveler develops symptoms, they are instructed to call public health; however, this does not always happen before the traveler presents to a health care facility for care. All hospitals need to be prepared to screen, identify, and at least provide initial care for a patient suspected to have a VHF within the scope of the facility’s clinical capabilities. Additionally, facilities need to train staff to follow the “identify, isolate, inform” framework for special pathogens (see VHF Toolkit). Effective July 2024, The Joint Commission introduced Standard IC.07.01.01 which requires hospitals to: 1. implement processes to support preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases or special pathogens, and 2. develop and implement training and education to assess competencies for staff who will implement special pathogen protocols. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated guidance for emergency preparedness (Memo QSO-21-15, Appendix Z) in the State Operations Manual in 2021. This updated guidance requires hospitals include emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola Virus Disease in their emergency preparedness plans, as well as engage and coordinate with state and local health departments to address surge needs in their community. The survey will help your organization assess the level of preparedness for a patient with a special pathogen, and will also assist CDPHE in providing guidance to health care providers and systems when a patient needs emergent transfer or transport. There are no wrong answers on this survey. The responses will be securely collected and confidentially maintained by CDPHE staff for preparedness and training use only. Please complete only one survey per hospital. The survey is intended to be completed with assistance from, but not limited to: infection prevention staff, medical directors, clinical nurse managers, house supervisors, laboratory managers, emergency operations managers, environmental services managers, and communications officers. Surveys might be sent to multiple hospital contacts; please coordinate within each facility to ensure only one survey is submitted. Hospital Preparedness Survey If you have any questions or concerns regarding this survey, please contact CDPHE’s Communicable Disease Response Inbox at cdphe_dcphr_diseaseresponse@state.co.us.

CDC call for cases: serious adverse events after ceftriaxone administration

 

To: Prescribers, Infection Preventionists, Pharmacists, Facility Administrators From: Healthcare-Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance Program, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local health departments, is investigating reports of serious adverse events, including deaths, following receipt of injectable ceftriaxone. To date, events have not been associated with a single product manufacturer or lot and a definitive causal link to ceftriaxone has not been established. A public health investigation is underway to identify and characterize serious adverse events associated with ceftriaxone exposure. CDC is requesting reports of serious adverse events following the administration of ceftriaxone to assist with the ongoing investigation. Please report to CDC adverse events that meet the following criteria, occurring after September 1, 2024: 1. Occurred within 6 hours after receipt of injectable* ceftriaxone in a non-ICU setting, and 2. Resulted in death or required cardiopulmonary resuscitation**, and 3. Not attributed by the treating provider(s) to a cause other than ceftriaxone administration***. *including both intramuscular and intravenous routes of administration **cardiopulmonary resuscitation defined as the use of chest compressions and mechanical ventilation or provision of rescue breaths to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation during cardiac arrest ***such as known infection, other underlying medical condition, or exposure to a medication or medical product other than ceftriaxone Please make reports to CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at HAIoutbreak@cdc.gov. Healthcare providers should report serious adverse events that might be associated with a medical product to FDA’s MedWatch Program and to the product manufacturer. For questions about this message, contact the Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacy Lead: cdphe_hai_ar@state.co.us.

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.

Sterile Solutions Supply Chain Disruption by Peritoneal Dialysis

 

To: All providers or those affected by the saline shortage From: Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division URGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED - The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division needs assistance in updating information about who provides dialysis services at various facilities and the number of patients receiving dialysis at home. Hurricane Helene impacted one of the largest IV fluid suppliers, owned by Baxter International, in North Carolina. This has resulted in supply chain disruptions and gaps in supplies of normal saline IV fluids, irrigation fluids, sterile water, and certain dextrose solutions. Baxter has resumed shipping to hospitals and dialysis centers, and global plants are increasing production to meet U.S. needs. However, because of ongoing disruptions, some products remain on allocation. The division asks that you complete the Google Form linked below.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FACILITY/AGENCY HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM AGAIN. The information in this form will help identify the number of patients receiving intravenous and peritoneal dialysis at various facilities and their locations. This form will also provide information on the number of patients receiving home dialysis for those facilities that provide home care services. Please include a reliable contact person and the facility or agency’s phone number.  Please complete this Google Form with the requested information.

Sterile Solutions Supply Chain Disruption by Peritoneal Dialysis

 

To: All providers or those affected by the saline shortage From: Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division URGENT ATTENTION REQUIRED - The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division needs assistance in updating information about who provides dialysis services at various facilities and the number of patients receiving dialysis at home. Hurricane Helene impacted one of the largest IV fluid suppliers, owned by Baxter International, in North Carolina. This has resulted in supply chain disruptions and gaps in supplies of normal saline IV fluids, irrigation fluids, sterile water, and certain dextrose solutions. Baxter has resumed shipping to hospitals and dialysis centers, and global plants are increasing production to meet U.S. needs. However, because of ongoing disruptions, some products remain on allocation. The division asks that you complete the Google Form linked below.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR FACILITY/AGENCY HAVE ALREADY COMPLETED THIS FORM YOU DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE THE FORM AGAIN. The information in this form will help identify the number of patients receiving intravenous and peritoneal dialysis at various facilities and their locations. This form will also provide information on the number of patients receiving home dialysis for those facilities that provide home care services. Please include a reliable contact person and the facility or agency’s phone number.  Please complete this Google Form with the requested information.

Hospice IDR Committee

 

To: Hospice providers From: HFEMSD The Division is amending the informal dispute resolution (IDR) process for hospice providers to align with other similar facility types. Division staff will continue to review IDR requests that do not include state and/or federal enforcement. However, when state or federal enforcement is involved due to the nature of the deficient practice, the IDR request will be reviewed by a three-member committee composed of 1 representative from the hospice community, 1 representative from the Health Facilities EMS Division, and 1 representative from the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. Starting in August, the committee will meet the third Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. if IDR requests involving state and/or federal enforcement have been received timely for review. Committee members’ participation may be in person, by Google Meet, or by phone.  Committee members generally serve a one-year, renewable term.  If you are interested in representing the hospice community on the IDR committee, please submit a resume to elaine.sabyan@state.co.us by 7/10/2024.  Elaine Sabyan .

Service Availability Form Publication: All Stakeholders interested in regulations related to “Patients’ Right to Know” Act, or HB23-1218

 

To: All Stakeholders interested in regulations related to “Patients’ Right to Know” Act, or HB23-1218 From: HFEMSD Subject: Service Availability Form Publication As of June 17, 2024, the service availability form related to the House Bill 23-1218, known as the “Patients’ Right to Know'' Act, is published by the Department. Facilities subject to HB23-1218 are those regulated by 6 CCR 1011-1: Chapter 4: Hospitals, Chapter 9: Community Clinics, Chapter 10: Rehabilitation Hospitals, Chapter 13: Free Standing Emergency Departments, Chapter 19: Licensed Hospital Units. By statute, these facilities must submit a completed service availability form to the Department within sixty (60) days of publication. The deadline for receipt by the Department is on or before August 16, 2024.  A blank service availability form can be downloaded at the Health Facilities service availability webpage, and is attached here, click here for a blank service availability form. Click here to download the form directly  Completed service availability forms must be submitted to this email address: cdphe_saf@state.co.us.  Please send service availability forms to the above email with the facility name in the subject line, and the PDF form attached to the email. Please only send one service availability form per email. If a person needs to send service availability forms for multiple facilities, please send each service availability form in a separate email. Service availability forms will be returned if each required question is not answered, including if the form is not signed by the preparer. Service availability forms will be returned if the facility’s name, address, or facility identification number (FACID) does not match Department records, as displayed on the health facilities service availability page: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/health-facilities-service-availability. If the facility’s name or address differs from that reflected in Department records and the facility wishes to update Department records, please submit the appropriate change request in COHFI: https://www.cohfi.colorado.gov/COHFI/. The engagement of such changes does not alter the statutory deadline for facilities to return completed service availability forms to the Department. The service availability form FAQ can be accessed at the Health Facilities service availability page: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/health-facilities-service-availability. The FAQ includes answers to common questions related to completing the form. Any questions related to completion of the form not addressed in the FAQ can be sent to cdphe_saf@state.co.us. HB23-1218 contains a mandatory daily fine of up to $1,000 per day for failure to submit. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. .

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Second Request: If you have not done so, please complete this nursing home air conditioning survey

 

To: Nursing Home Administrators From: Jo Tansey, Branch Chief, Acute and Nursing Facilities, Health Facilities & Emergency Services Division Re: Second Request: If you have not done so, please complete this nursing home air conditioning survey Heat-related emergencies are increasing each year in Colorado. Accelerating changes in our climate have led to a rise in human exposure to harmful temperatures and worsening air quality.  In the event of a heat related emergency, the department wants to ensure that local public health partners and coalitions are aware of nursing homes in their areas that do not have air conditioning. In the event of a heat related emergency, they may reach out to those that do not have air conditioning to provide assistance or guidance, should needs arise.  Please help us by answering four questions.  If you have any questions, please contact Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us or 720-291-5929. Thank you in advance. .

Air Conditioning Survey for Nursing Homes

 

To: Nursing Home Administrators From: Jo Tansey, Branch Chief, Acute and Nursing Facilities, Health Facilities & Emergency Services Division Re: Air Conditioning Survey Heat-related emergencies are increasing each year in Colorado. Accelerating changes in our climate have led to a rise in human exposure to harmful temperatures and worsening air quality.  In the event of a heat related emergency, the department wants to ensure that local public health partners and coalitions are aware of nursing homes in their areas that do not have air conditioning. In the event of a heat related emergency, they may reach out to those that do not have air conditioning to provide assistance or guidance, should needs arise.  Please help us by answering four questions. We hope to receive your responses by the end of May. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie.Roth-Lawson@state.co.us or 720-291-5929. Thank you in advance. .

Request for Applications (RFA) - Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Grant

 

To: CMS Certified NH providers, owners, administrators and other interested parties  From: Jo Tansey, Branch Chief, Nursing Facilities, HFEMSD The Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) for Grant Cycle 15. The grants are comprised of monies collected through nursing home civil monetary penalties (CMPs).  Please read the entire RFA and other resource documents prior to beginning work on the application. In order to save your work, you will need to download all documents prior to working on them. For more information and instructions on submitting an application go to CDPHE Nursing home innovations grant board webpage. .

Firstline mobile app-requesting your feedback!

 

Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health Antimicrobial Stewardship teams need your feedback on the Firstline app!   The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) supports antimicrobial stewardship in all healthcare settings. Treatment guidelines that support appropriate use of antibiotics are a priority intervention that can help prescribers optimize antibiotic selection and duration and help antimicrobial stewardship programs to conduct prospective audit and feedback and preauthorization activities. CDPHE promotes Firstline as a source of stewardship-oriented treatment guidelines that can be adapted for use by facilities and prescribers in Colorado.   Firstline is an app that allows users to access local evidence-based infectious diseases clinical pathways from Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health, along with antimicrobial dosing information, pathogen information, infection prevention information, and more. It can be used in all clinical settings and points of care. The app is free to download and use (iOS and Android as well as via the web).   Firstline is currently funded by a grant through 2025. Your feedback is very important to improve features and advocate for ongoing support! Please fill out the following voluntary surveys to provide feedback on the usefulness of the Firstline app.   Access the surveys: Children’s Hospital Colorado: https://redcap.link/2rwuhmeh Denver Health: https://redcap.link/e441fa69 In the Firstline app, click on the purple “Important Information” bar on the home page, or find under “Resources”.   How to Download Firstline: If you have not already downloaded Firstline, search “Firstline” wherever you download your apps (look for the rainbow circle logo). After downloading, search for Children’s Hospital Colorado or Denver Health. Hint: say yes to push notifications, that is us telling you about important infectious diseases updates and shortages, not advertising. You can navigate between Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health by clicking on the Firstline logo in the top left corner.   Contact the Children’s Hospital Colorado Firstline group at michael.bozzella@childrenscolorado.org or the CDPHE HAI/AR Program at cdphe_hai_ar@state.co.us for more information. .