HHS clarified in its recently updated FAQs on Provider Relief that the Nursing Home Infection Control Payments can be used to hire AND retain staff.  The Terms and Conditions for the Nursing Home Infection Control limit use of payments to certain infection control expenses, including hiring staff, whether employees or independent contractors, to provide patient care or administrative support.  Is “hiring” limited to only brining on new staff or may funds be used for existing staff?  (Added 10/5/2020)

Payments from the Nursing Home Infection Control Distribution may be used to cover “hiring” expenses related to both recruiting new hires and the continued payment and retention of existing staff to provide patient care or administrative support.  

The FAQs also provide additional details regarding the Phase 3 application process. The FAQs clarify that HHS will review all the applications prior to distributing any of the $20B from this tranche. So, this means these payments won’t make their way to providers until mid to late November at the earliest. The goal appears to be to ensure all eligible providers first get their full 2 % and then provide add-on payments to those who demonstrate continued need beyond what has been received to date.

HHS is also holding a webinar regarding Phase 3.  Registration for October 15, 3 p.m. ET HHS Webinar on Phase 3 Application Process.

Questions? Contact David Carter * DCarter@LeadingAgeWA.org