HHS updated their June 2020 memo requiring Nursing Homes to report their antigen point of care tests to NHSN . The updated HHS memo, dated January 8^th, states CMS-certified long-term care facilities may submit point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 testing data, including antigen testing data, to CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This CDC- and CMS-preferred pathway to submit data to CDC’s NHSN applies only to CMS-certified long-term care facilities.  Department of Health would like to reiterate, this does not remove the requirement of reporting your POC antigen tests to DOH or your local health jurisdiction.  Any facility using POC antigen tests (BD Veritor, Quidel Sofia, or Abbott BinaxNOW cards are required to have a CLIA waiver and must report results.  Please remember, you must also report your weekly COVID positive numbers, access to testing, PPE supply and staffing to NHSN  Any positive or suspected COVID case must continue to be reported to Residential Care Services through the Complaint Resolution Unit.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804