Friday, August 31, 2018

Chapter 2 Rule Revision Stakeholder Meetings

To: All Health Facilities

From: HFEMSD


The Chapter 2 Rule Revision Meeting.
Meetings are open to the public.

When: Sep. 6, 2018 from 9:30-11:30 am

Where: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South
Denver, CO 80246
Conference room C1A
(visitors, please check in at the front desk in building A, doors near the flag pole) 

Audio line: 669-900-6833, conference code: 591 406 2529 

Webinar: Zoom meeting (https://zoom.us/j/5914062529) 

To view the agenda go to:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1r9F3K-T3TkGvNCRr3fSXvJ_jI8LQTDJd?usp=sharing 

Meeting schedules and archived agendas and meeting minutes are available on the department website at: 
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ce7iObpAV7QUjaxEOu38b0dbWdzfxxm7?usp=sharing 

To sign up to receive email communications regarding Chapter 2 go to:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerTStiP4lSlq6Kjdx_akFAU-i6u2i4AIuLLl9xjmYm3q6hHA/viewform?usp=sf_link 


For further info:

Email crystal.cortes@state.co.us

Colorado (HAI) Advisory Committee seeking input on reporting deadline for (SSIs)

TO: All Health Facilities in Colorado 

FROM: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will be hosting a monthly NHSN user group webinar to provide updates and training related to NSHN. The monthly webinar will be held on the first Wednesday of every month from 1p.m. - 1:30 p.m. (MST). Immediately following the webinar, CDPHE staff will be available to assist new users in NHSN set-up and enrollment. 

Click here to register for the webinar on September 5, 2018. 
Click here to view additional training opportunities provided by the Healthcare Associated Infection program. 

For questions, please contact Lynda Saignaphone at 303-692-2923, lynda.saignaphone@state.co.us.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

VERY SMALL QUANTITY GENERATOR HEALTHCARE FACILITY HAZARDOUS WASTE SELF-CERTIFICATION CHECKLIST

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division (the Division) sent a letter on August 22nd and an email on August 27th, providing notice that all very small quantity generator (VSQG, formerly known as CESQGs) healthcare facilities in Colorado, including VSQG hospitals, long term care facilities, and ambulatory service facilities, are required to complete the annual hazardous waste self-certification checklist by September 30, 2018.

There are a few new items to note. 

1. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division (the Division), has created a 10-minute tutorial video to assist facilities in understanding how to fill out the self-certification checklist. The link for this video will be available on the self-certification webpage at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/hmselfcert

2. The Division has also created a 45-minute hazardous waste disposal training video specific to VSQG healthcare facilities in Colorado for each facility to use to train staff on the basics of Colorado’s Hazardous Waste Regulations, 6 CCR 1007-3 (the Regulations), and how they apply to healthcare. This video, in combination with supporting documentation, is recommended for initial training as well as refresher training for staff involved in the management of hazardous waste at your facility. The link for this video will be available on the self-certification webpage at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/hmselfcert, as well as the hazardous waste healthcare webpage at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/medical-and-pharmaceutical-waste-guidance

3. To access the self-certification checklist, go to our website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/hmselfcert. Choose the link titled “VSQG Healthcare Facility Checklist”. The checklist also contains a link to a short video explaining each question or section. 

If you have questions about hazardous waste management or the self-certification checklist, please contact our Customer Technical Assistance Hotline at 303-692-3322.

Tuberculosis for Health Care Workers – Glenwood, Colorado

To: Medical Directors, Directors of Nursing, Health Care Workers and Local Public Health Agencies

From: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!!!

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is partnering with Mesa and Garfield County to host a full day training on Tuberculosis (TB). This free training will increase your understanding of and comfort with managing TB by providing information and skill building activities on the following topics:

- Introduction to TB 
- Diagnosis and Treatment for TB infection and disease
- TB case management 
- TB contact investigation

We invite nurses and other interested personnel who provide health services to patients with or at risk for tuberculosis in Colorado to attend the two day training, TB for Health Care Workers on September 24th from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm and 25th from 8:30-12:30. The first day will be held at the Glenwood Springs Library and the second day will be held at Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs.

For more details and to register go to: www.train.org/colorado/home and search for course #1080090 under the course catalog tab.

Registration cost is FREE
Space is very limited so please register early. 

For more information please contact Tavia Mirassou-Wolf at 303-692-2638 or Tavia.mirassou-wolf@state.co.us with any questions. 

Tuberculosis for Health Care Workers – Montrose, Colorado

Medical Directors, Directors of Nursing, Health Care Workers and Local Public Health Agencies

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!!!

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is partnering with the Montrose County Health and Human Services to host a full day training on Tuberculosis (TB). This free training will increase your understanding of and comfort with managing TB by providing information and skill building activities on the following topics:

- Introduction to TB 
- Diagnosis and Treatment for TB infection and disease
- TB case management 
- TB contact investigation

We invite nurses and other interested personnel who provide health services to patients with or at risk for tuberculosis in Colorado to attend the TB for Health Care Workers training on September 27th from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm in the Board Room at the Montrose County Health and Human Services (1845 S Townsend Avenue, Montrose, Colorado 81401).

For more details and to register go to: www.train.org/colorado/home and search for course #1071602 under the course catalog tab.

Registration cost is FREE
Space is very limited so please register early. 

For more information please contact Tavia Mirassou-Wolf at 303-692-2638 or Tavia.mirassou-wolf@state.co.us with any questions. 

ALR Small Facility Workgroup meeting starting September 2, 2018

To: Assisted Living Residence Providers and Stakeholders 

From: Elaine McManis, Home & Community Facilities, Branch Chief

The ALR Small Facility Workgroup meetings will begin on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Building C, Room C1D on our Cherry Creek Campus. 

Non-workgroup members are invited to attend by phone.

To participate by telephone:
Step #1: Dial 1-712-770-8066 
Step #2: When prompted, dial participant passcode 727084
Step #3: You will be on music hold until a few moments before 2:00 PM.
Step #4: Very important: Please press 4* and mute your telephone to prevent background noise. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question, press 4* to unmute. When you are finished talking, please re-mute your telephone using 4* again. 
Very Important: Do not use speakerphones or wireless headsets; they are not compatible with the audio conferencing technology.

LTC Advisory Meeting

Please join us for the September 4th meeting.

Jo Tansey,
Nursing Facilities Section Manager


Agenda and meeting documents

Friday, August 24, 2018

This Week’s ALR Online Newsletter Updates

To: All Assisted Living Residence Administrators

From: Greg Schlosser, Education and Technical Assistance Branch Chief

Greetings Assisted Living Residence Providers,

We are excited to share new updates for Assisted Living News & Resources
with you in this edition including:
- New: CDPHE developed Section 3 - Departmental Oversight online module in Training
- Updated FAQs
- Link to Alternative Care Facility Rules in Resources

It is our hope that this resource will provide you with up-to-date and relevant tools, training, and information, as we move forward with implementing the new regulations under 6CCR 1011-1, Chapter 7 Assisted Living Regulations. Current features of the newsletter include on "What's New", "Important Dates," "Training," "Blog," "FAQs", "Help" and "Advisory Committee." Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the new portions of the regulation as well as training to help you comply. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

OASIS C2 (& D) Classes *FREE*

To: Federally Certified Skilled Home Health Facilities Administrators, Directors of Nursing, OASIS Coordinators, Billing and Coding Personnel, Licensed Home Health Facilities Administrators

From: The Education and Technical Assistance (ETA) Branch of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD)

ETA will offer classes on specific OASIS topics in Denver and Pueblo. Upcoming changes to the Item Set (OASIS D) will be included as they apply. You may choose to take sessions all at once or individually as your interest and needs dictate. All registration is first-come, first-served, even for sessions within a specific facility.

ETA reserves the right to cancel classes with low registration. Early registration is helpful.

OASIS C2 Basics (One Session): Course ID 1066908
This beginning three-hour class is how to get started with OASIS C2.

OASIS C2 Item-by-Item (2 Sessions): Course ID 1066909
This practical application class reviews item-by-item data set completion. We will follow Mrs. Green's assessment, which will require two sessions to complete. Attendance at both sessions is required to complete this class.

OASIS C2 Quality Measures (One Session): Course ID 1066910
This course assumes familiarity with the OASIS C2 Item Set, covering more advanced content and application.

To see additional session details and register for on-site attendance for one of these offerings:
1. Go to http://www.train.org/
2. Log in to your existing TRAIN account, or new users click "Create an Account"
3. Once you've logged in, or created an account, Search (top right) for the appropriate Course ID. (See above for desired training)
4. Click link for desired course.
5. Click the "Registration" tab.
6. Click the "Register" button for the session you wish to attend.
7. Remember to register separately for each desired course.

A detailed example of the above process(if needed)

Questions?: Please email betty.metz@state.co.us

Home Care Advisory Committee Meeting Cancelled

The Home Care Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 23 has been CANCELLED. The next advisory committee meeting will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Free Webinar: MDS Changes in Fall 2018

To: Federally Certified Skilled Nursing Facilities Administrators, Directors of Nursing, MDS Coordinators, Billing and Coding Personnel, Licensed Nursing Facilities Administrators

From: The Education and Technical Assistance (ETA) Branch of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD)

ETA plans one-hour participatory webinars discussing changes in the MDS Item Set due to come into effect for everyone on October 1, 2018. There will be time for questions and answers.

Dates and times are listed on https://www.train.org/ under your personal account login name and password. Your profile should be set to authorize notifications via email, because further call-in information and presentation materials will be pushed out closer to the events. 

Questions?: Please email betty.metz@state.co.us

Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) policy amendment

To: Nursing Facilities, Home Health Agencies and Assisted Living Residences

From: HFEMSD

The IDR policy has been amended to include new procedures when deficiency findings in dispute under one regulation are moved to another regulation by the LTC and ALR committees or the HHA IDR committee (reviewing state enforcement action). The procedures offer the facility an abbreviated opportunity to resubmit an IDR request to dispute deficient practice under the new regulation. The IDR policy and procedures can be found on the Division website at: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByqZDBabyNVSSjBVQkF4Nl9MSDA/view

If you have questions, please contact Elaine Sabyan at 303.692.2815 or by email at elaine.sabyan@state.co.us.

Deficiency List Errors – Web Portal

To: All Providers

From: CDPHE-HFEMSD - Health Facility Quality Branch

To all Administrators, 

As some providers have recently experienced, the Facility Web Portal has begun to encounter a number of technical errors in relation to the accurate posting of deficiency lists (DL). First and foremost, it is important to establish that the DL that is emailed to the facility, not what is posted to the facility web portal, is the department’s official administrative document.

Unfortunately, the most prevalent error occurring with the portal system at this time is that the DLs being posted to facility web portals do not identically match the official version of the DLs that the department emails to facilities. More specifically, the facility may identify in the portal electronic copy that there are deficiencies, or tags, that are blank or may contain a slightly different version of the DL. The division will work collaboratively with facilities on these types of errors and can extend some of our standard deadlines in order for providers to have adequate time to respond with a plan of correction. 

The HFEMS Division is currently in the process of building a new web portal interface. This project is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2019. For the meantime, the division has implemented several additional steps in our process to help identify and address the majority of these errors. We do ask however, that during this time, all providers remain cognizant of this problem.

If you identify discrepancies between the official emailed DL and the portal electronic version, please contact portal support either at 303-692-2836 or by email at cdphe.hfemsportalsupport@state.co.us. We appreciate your understanding, assistance and patience until the new interface is completed. 

If you have any specific questions regarding this matter, please contact Jason Bohl, Quality Assurance Supervisor, at 303-692-6221 or by email at Jason.bohl@state.co.us

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Reminder August 23, 2018 Assisted Living Advisory Committee meeting

To: Assisted Living Residence Providers and Stakeholders

From: Dee Reda, Community Services Section Manager

The next Assisted Living Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. in Building C, Room C1D on our Cherry Creek Campus.
*Due to space constraints, non-committee member participation for this meeting is limited to web and phone participation only.*
For meeting agendas, handouts, etc. please go to https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0ByqZDBabyNVSR3pNejg2X2J0V2c. Click on the folder labeled "8/23/18 meeting." We recommend that you return to this site on the day of the meeting to check for additional or revised meeting materials.
To participate via Web:
Step #1: Go to https://cdphe.adobeconnect.com/alac/.
The Adobe Connect screen will appear entitled "Assisted Living Advisory Committee Meeting"
Step #2: Click "OK" option after you have read the text box message
Step #3: You will now be in the Virtual Meeting Room
Directions on how to participate once you have entered the room are in the "Meeting agendas, handouts, reports and minutes" link above.

If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before:
Test your connection: https://helpx.adobe.com/adobe-connect/kb/connection-test-connect-meeting.htmlGet a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview

To participate by telephone:
Step #1: Dial 1-712-770-8066
Step #2: When prompted, dial participant passcode 727084
Step #3: You will be on music hold until a few moments before 12:00 PM.
Step #4: Very important: Please press 4* and mute your telephone to prevent background noise. If you would like to make a comment or ask a question, press 4* to unmute. When you are finished talking, please re-mute your telephone using 4* again.
Very Important: Do not use speakerphones or wireless headsets; they are not compatible with the audio conferencing technology.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Topkoff at michelle.m.topkoff@state.co.us or call 303-692-2848 at least a business day in advance of the meeting.
Meeting information

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we work hard to protect and promote your health and the environment. If you're planning a visit to our campus and want to ride your bike here, we won't take a second look at your helmet head, and if the bus you're taking is running a little late, we won't worry. We want you to be your healthiest you, and we appreciate your efforts to reduce pollution.
If you're coming to our campus: Our campus is located at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, 80246.
If you're riding your bike: Our campus is located just south of the Cherry Creek bike trail. Bicycle parking is available at multiple locations on the main campus. Covered bicycle parking also is available at several locations, as well as on the ground floor of the parking structure on Birch Street, which is just east of the main campus
If you're riding the bus: RTD's Trip Planner is a great way to find the fastest route.
If you're driving: Visitor parking is conveniently located in front of all of our buildings. Please check in with security in Building A so you can get a visitor badge.
You might also want to know:
We care about your health, so our campus is tobacco-free.
We are located just east of Glendale's City Set, where there are several restaurants.
Lactation Rooms are available on the first floors of buildings A and B.
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Friday, August 17, 2018

ALR IDR Committee Meeting

To: ALR providers

From: HFEMSD

The ALR IDR Committee will not meet on 8/23/18 as no requests have been received for committee review.

Elaine Sabyan

Thursday, August 16, 2018

HHA IDR Committee Meeting

To: HHA providers
  

From: HFEMSD
  

The HHA IDR Committee will not be meeting 8/21/18 as no requests have been received for committee review.
  

Elaine Sabyan

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Colorado (HAI) Advisory Committee seeking input on reporting deadline for (SSIs)

The Colorado Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Advisory Committee is seeking input on the reporting deadline for surgical site infections (SSIs). Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback by email or phone or attend the upcoming meeting on August 28, 2018. Meetings are open to the public (see attachment for more details).

HAI Advisory Committee Stakeholder Invitation

Long-term Care Infection Prevention Training

The Infection Prevention Unit, within the Healthcare Associated Infections Program of the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division, will be offering a FREE two-day infection prevention training event focused on reducing healthcare associated infections within the long-term care environment. See the workshop flyer for more details. 

Workshop Flyer

New: Online Quality Management Program/Plan (QMP) 201 Training Module

In response to stakeholder requests, the Education and Technical Assistance Branch of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division has developed an advanced quality management program training course. The online, self-paced, 1-hour course is geared toward new and seasoned personnel of all health facility-types responsible for carrying out quality management activities. 

The interactive training module guides the participant through a review of a quality management program, reviewing the elements of a strong plan and the documentation required to demonstrate program effectiveness. Similar to the steps taken by a health facility compliance inspector, the participant is also guided through a critical review of a sample quality management plan. Our hope is that each participant completes the course with a better understanding of what constitutes a sound quality management plan and has new tools at his or her disposal to review and improve upon their facility's program.

To access this module, please visit: http://67.231.102.44/HFEMSD/QMP201/index.html 

For any questions/concerns please feel free to email: cdphe.hfemsd.eta@state.co.us

Nursing Home Innovative Grant Board – Grant Proposal Announcement


The Nursing Home Innovations Grant Board has issued a call for proposals for Grant Cycle 11. Proposals will be due on or before 5 p.m. on September 10, 2018. The grants are comprised of monies collected through nursing home civil monetary penalties (CMPs). 

You can find the Call for Proposals, instructions, application and deliverables worksheet at www.colorado.gov/hcpf/nursing-home-innovations-grant-board or www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/nursing-home-innovations-grant-board-0 

Friday, August 3, 2018

LTC (NF) IDR Committee Meeting

The LTC (NF) IDR Committee will meet August 7th at 1:30 p.m. at the Department. The public is welcome to observe or listen to the committee discussion by calling 1.712.775.8968 and entering conference code 339028. Information on the location of the meeting will be available at the security desk in building A.

Elaine Sabyan

TB Update and Skin Testing Practicum for Health Care Providers


SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!!!

The Denver Metro TB Clinic invite nurses and other health care providers from home health agencies, clinics, and long-term care facilities to attend a tuberculosis update and skin testing practicum on Thursday, October 4th, 2018 from 12:30pm - 5:00pm in the Public Health Auditorium, 2nd floor at Denver Public Health (605 Bannock Street, Denver). 

Course Objectives are: 
- Express an increased and updated knowledge of TB infection and TB disease
- Demonstrate their skill in placing and reading the TST

For more details and a link to register go to: http://denverpublichealth.org/home/clinics-and-services/tuberculosis-clinic/for-providers/tb-education 

Registration cost is $60 
Space is very limited so please register early. 

For more information please contact Carolyn Bargman at 303-602-7243 cbargman@dhha.org with any questions. 

TB Update and Skin Testing Practicum for Health Care Providers

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE!!!

The Denver Metro TB Clinic invite nurses and other health care providers from home health agencies, clinics, and long-term care facilities to attend a tuberculosis update and skin testing practicum on Thursday, October 4th, 2018 from 12:30pm - 5:00pm in the Public Health Auditorium, 2nd floor at Denver Public Health (605 Bannock Street, Denver). 

Course Objectives are: 
- Express an increased and updated knowledge of TB infection and TB disease
- Demonstrate their skill in placing and reading the TST

For more details and a link to register go to: http://denverpublichealth.org/home/clinics-and-services/tuberculosis-clinic/for-providers/tb-education 

Registration cost is $60 
Space is very limited so please register early. 

For more information please contact Carolyn Bargman at 303-602-7243 cbargman@dhha.org with any questions. 

OASIS C2 (& D) Classes *FREE*

ETA will offer classes on specific OASIS topics in Grand Junction and Denver. Upcoming changes to the Item Set (OASIS D) will be included as they apply. You may choose to take sessions all at once or individually as your interest and needs dictate. All registration is first-come, first-served, even for sessions within a specific facility.

ETA reserves the right to cancel classes with low registration. This is a possibility in Grand Junction. Early registration is helpful.

OASIS C2 Basics (One Session): Course ID 1066908
This beginning three-hour class is how to get started with OASIS C2.

OASIS C2 Item-by-Item (2 Sessions): Course ID 1066909
This practical application class reviews item-by-item data set completion. We will follow Mrs. Green's assessment, which will require two sessions to complete. Attendance at both sessions is required to complete this class.

OASIS C2 Quality Measures (One Session): Course ID 1066910
This course assumes familiarity with the OASIS C2 Item Set, covering more advanced content and application.

To see additional session details and register for on-site attendance for one of these offerings:
1. Go to http://www.train.org/
2. Log in to your existing TRAIN account, or new users click "Create an Account"
3. Once you've logged in, or created an account, Search (top right) for the appropriate Course ID. (See above for desired training)
4. Click link for desired course.
5. Click the "Registration" tab.
6. Click the "Register" button for the session you wish to attend.
7. Remember to register separately for each desired course.

A detailed example of the above process (if needed)

Questions?: Please email betty.metz@state.co.us

MDS 3.0 Classes *FREE*

Classes on specific MDS topics in Durango, Grand Junction and Thornton are available. Upcoming changes for October 2018 will be discussed as they apply. You may choose to take them all at once or individually as your interest and needs dictate. All registration is first-come first-serve, even with sessions held within a host facility site.

ETA reserves the right to cancel classes with low registration. This is a possibility for the Grand Junction sessions. Early registration is helpful.

MDS Basics (One Session): Course ID 1066903
This beginning three-hour class is how to get started with MDS.

MDS Item By Item (2 Sessions): Course ID 1066907
This practical application class reviews item-by-item data set completion. We will follow Miss Scarlett's assessment, which will require two sessions to complete. Attendance at both sessions on subsequent days is required to complete this class.

MDS Quality Measures (One Session): Course ID 1066904
This course assumes familiarity with the MDS Item Set, covering more advanced content and application.

To see additional session details and register for on-site attendance for one of these offerings:
1. Go to http://www.train.org/ 
2. Log in to your existing CO.TRAIN account, or new users click "Create an Account".
3. Once you've logged in, or created an account, Search (top right) for the appropriate Course ID. (See above for desired training)
4. Click link for desired course. Note open session options.
5. Click the "Register" button for the session you wish to attend.
6. Remember to register separately for each desired course.

Detailed Instructions for Using Train.org (if needed)

Questions?: Please email betty.metz@state.co.us