News

Beware of COVID-19 Online Scams

March 26, 2020

— The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns individuals to remain vigilant for scams related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Cyber actors may send emails with malicious attachments or links to fraudulent websites to trick victims into revealing sensitive information, using fake vendors advertising the availability of products in short supply, or donating to fraudulent charities or... Read More

YMCA Delaware Mobilizes Emergency Childcare

March 25, 2020

— The YMCA is mobilizing emergency child care in Northern Delaware at its Bear-Glasgow, Brandywine and Central YMCA locations, and in Southern Delaware at our Sussex YMCA in Rehoboth Beach location to open on Monday, 3/30. As the need increases, they will look at opening other sites.  Essential staff will be able to go to the... Read More

State Bureau of Identification Implements Additional Temporary Changes to Operating Procedures

March 25, 2020

— The Delaware State Police State Bureau of Identification (SBI) is remaining open during the public health emergency; however, service is now limited to health care, long-term care, and childcare providers. This is to ensure timely service to individuals essential to the care provider community. All other requests will be deferred until May 15.  SBI locations... Read More

State Health Operations Center (SHOC) to Hold Weekly Call, Issues Updates on Forms/Requests

March 25, 2020

— The State Health Operations Center (SHOC) is inviting Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities to join in a weekly call on Fridays at 11 am to get updates on the latest COVID-19 information. DCHFA members can find the call-in details under Member Resources>Webinars/Forms. Members will need to login to access the information. SHOC has... Read More

CMS Prioritizes Surveys For Next Three Weeks

March 24, 2020

— CMS announced yesterday that it is prioritizing surveys by authorizing modification of timetables and deadlines for the performance of certain required activities, delaying revisit surveys, and generally exercising enforcement discretion for the next three weeks. During this timeframe, the only types of surveys that will be prioritized and conducted are  Complaint/facility -reported incident surveys Targeted... Read More

Governor, DEMA, DPH Emergency Declarations Relax Regs to Allow for More Healthcare Workers in Delaware

March 24, 2020

— As cases throughout the state jump, Governor Carney issued an updated Public Health Emergency declaration along with a DEMA/PPH joint declaration that relaxes some health care worker regulations to prepare for the surge. During the emergency, healthcare workers who hold licenses in other states will be permitted to work in Delaware without additional testing, students... Read More

We Want Your Stories!

March 24, 2020

— Both DHCFA and AHCA are asking for your stories that highlight the positive things providers, residents, and staff/caregivers are doing in this extraordinary time. AHCA is publishing a special edition of daily news clips to highlight these stories from across the nation. DHCFA is also planning  feature these stories in social media. If you have... Read More

LLAM Annual Training Renewal

March 24, 2020

— Annual LLAM UAP training renewals for March and April may be postponed for two months or more depending on the COVID-19 pandemic, Pamela Zickafoose, Executive Director of the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, stated. Any questions can be directed to her office at 302-744-4500. 

CMS to Enforce Tougher Survey Guidelines in Wake of COVID-19 Deaths at Kirkland Nursing Home

March 24, 2020

— The federal government on Monday announced the release of an updated survey tool for nursing home inspectors, with an even stricter focus on infection-control policies — derived directly from lessons learned at a facility in Washington state that served as the epicenter of the first COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. The Centers for Medicare... Read More

CDC Guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities

March 23, 2020

— CDC released new guidance for retirement communities and independent living facilities to better aid in the planning, preparation for, and response to coronavirus disease 2019. They may be helpful to you in your work.  Please share with any Independent Living Community or Senior High Rise Community Representatives you have contact information for. NOTE: This is... Read More