HHS began sending out the latest round of Provider Relief Funds Thursday this week.  The total amount sent out was $2.5 billion with each nursing home receiving $10,000 plus $1,450 per bed.  this is the first parr of the $5 billion distribution to nursing homes that was announced in late July.

The terms and conditions are largely similar to those from other rounds of funds, however, there are restrictions as to how this round is to be used by facilities.

” The Recipient certifies that the Payment will only be used to reimburse the Recipient for costs associated with the following items and services (“Infection Control Expenses”):

• Costs associated with administering COVID-19 testing, which means an in vitro diagnostic test defined in section 809.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) for the detection of SARS– CoV–2 or the diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID–19, and the administration of such a test, that—
  • Is approved, cleared, or authorized under section 510(k), 513, 515, or 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360(k), 360c, 360e, 360bbb–3);
  • The developer has requested, or intends to request, emergency use authorization under section 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360bbb–3), unless and until the emergency use authorization request under such section 564 has been denied or the developer of such test does not submit a request under such section within a reasonable timeframe;
  • Is developed in and authorized by a State that has notified the Secretary of Health and Human Services of its intention to review tests intended to diagnose COVID-19; or
  • Other test that the Secretary determines appropriate in guidance
• Reporting COVID-19 test results to local, state, or federal governments o Hiring staff, whether employees or independent contractors, to provide patient care or administrative support
• Expenses incurred to improve infection control, including activities such as implementing infection control “mentorship” programs with subject matter experts or changes made to physical facilities
• Providing additional services to residents, such as technology that permits residents to connect with their families if the families are not able to visit in person.”

You can view the terms and conditions for this round of funds here – https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/provider-relief-fund-nf-infection-control-payment-terms-and-conditions.pdf.

Finally, HHS noted that an additional $2 billion will be distributed “later this fall based on certain performance indicators that will be shared in the future. 

Questions?

Contact:

David Carter | Director, Health Care Finance & Policy

C 360.888.5702