Additional Resources for Long-term Care Facilities

Cut out these Badge Buddy Motivational Interviewing reminders to insert in nursing home staff badge holders.

This tip sheet provides an at-a-glance overview of Motivational Interviewing techniques such as RULE, OARS and leaning into resistance.

This Motivational Interviewing chart provides clear actions to take to assist nursing home residents in the vaccine decision-making process.

Using open-ended questions to understand knowledge, perspectives and emotions is an important Motivational Interviewing (MI) technique. Use this MI tool to help address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Register to attend this Nursing Home Connect webinar on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 1:30–2:30 p.m. CT. Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an untreated infection and is a life-threatening emergency. TMF QIN-QIO specialists explain how sepsis develops from a urinary tract infection (UTI), the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and most importantly, prevention.

Register to attend this Nursing Home Connect webinar on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1:30–2:30 p.m. CT. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) long-term care team will provide an overview of COVID-19 vaccination reporting, COVID-19 case and hospitalization reporting, and NHSN administrative topics, such as adding/editing users in the application.

Register to attend this Nursing Home Connect webinar on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 1:30–2:30 p.m. CT. Get a detailed overview of the importance of your emergency preparedness plan. TMF QIN-QIO specialists will provide tools, tips and resources to strengthen your plan and tailor it to your facility’s needs.

Register to attend this Nursing Home Connect webinar on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 1:30–2:30 p.m. CT. Readmissions linked to sepsis are common and costly. TMF QIN-QIO specialists will discuss key prevention and early detection strategies associated with pneumonia diagnoses.

Register to attend this Nursing Home Connect webinar on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 1:30–2:30 p.m. CT. Learn how your entire interdisciplinary team can prevent, identify and get ahead of wound infections that can lead to life-threatening sepsis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pemgarda (pemivibart) for the prevention of COVID-19 in certain adults and adolescents on March 22, 2024.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. This flyer helps nursing home staff, residents and visitors understand whether they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations now.

This fact sheet provides the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all persons.

Nursing facilities can copy and paste this form letter to communicate with their residents and family members about the updated COVID-19 vaccines.

A Readiness Ruler is a Motivational Interviewing tool to help nursing home residents think about their readiness, confidence or importance for engaging in change. This ruler can be used to determine next steps in considering any therapeutic recommendation, behavior change or decision affecting daily life.

Asking open-ended questions is a Motivational Interviewing technique to assist communicating with decision-makers. These questions help you gain insight to understand their knowledge, perspectives and emotions. A Decision Balance worksheet is also included to plot and visualize the positives and negatives.

The TMF QIN hosts weekly Nursing Home Connect webinars on Thursdays at 1:30 CT. Here are the topics for May 2024, which include a sepsis series. Register now.

In this module 2 of TMF's monthly CMD training series, medical directors will understand the importance of implementing a successful infection prevention and control program (IPC) in the nursing home setting and how to integrate IPC into their Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.

Listen to this TMF Quality Innovation Network Nursing Home Connect webinar recording from April 4, 2024, to learn how nursing home staff can identify symptoms of Long COVID and address issues that can lead to functional decline. Listeners can also learn how to minimize impacts and help residents improve.

On April 1, 2024 (Quarter 2), the instructions for reporting COVID-19 vaccinations in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) changed. Refer to and display this new infographic to educate your nursing facility staff.

After its last COVID-19 outbreak, Querencia at Barton Creek in Austin, Texas, found a need for refreshed educational efforts toward hand hygiene and disinfectant measures. Find out how this nursing facility used tools, training and resources to implement an effective infection prevention plan and remain outbreak-free.

Health care providers can download this colorful flyer to remind patients and family members to get their updated COVID-19 vaccine.

TMF’s Enhancing Care and Safety: Post-Pandemic Best Practices for Nursing Facility Leadership and Physicians is an on-demand monthly training series to help nursing home medical directors shape the ethos and operational excellence of the facilities they oversee. Physicians will earn continuing medical education (CME) and medical directors will earn Certified Medical Director (CMD) credit for each monthly topic through November 2024. The first module is Employee Health and Safety.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative conversation style for strengthening motivation and commitment to change. TMF's MI Toolkit includes trainings, fact sheets, videos and audio podcasts to help you utilize effective techniques.

Post this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) signage in English and Spanish to educate nursing facility staff on the proper sequence for donning and removing PPE.

While you may have heard that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated isolation guidelines for COVID-19 in March 2024, the updates do not apply to health care settings. Here is what nursing home staff and residents need to know when testing positive for COVID-19.

Spring is in the air — and so is COVID-19! It is now recommended that people over 65 get an additional 2023-2024 vaccine dose. Display this flyer in nursing facilities to educate staff and residents.

Listen to this TMF Quality Innovation Network Nursing Home Connect webinar recording from March 21, 2024, to learn how negative impacts can occur from adverse drug events and identify measures that assist in preventing them.

As of March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people ages 65 years and older should receive one additional dose of any 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least four months following the previous dose of the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Refer to this fact sheet for specific guidance.

In this 12-minute audio podcast, TMF's Russell Kohl, MD, chief medical officer and chief operating officer, Clifford Moy, MD, behavioral health medical director, and Melinda Quinn, quality improvement specialist, discuss vaccines as well as some of the hesitancy and resistance some people have. It is an enlightening Q&A that provides important medical perspectives.

Here is an A–Z list of infection prevention and control resources for nursing facility staff. Each letter links to a relevant fact sheet, flyer, tool or website for more details.

Download this poster to promote updated COVID-19 vaccinations in your facility.

This infographic from the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of staying home if infected with COVID-19 to reduce the spread of illness.

This webpage provides downloadable COVID-19 resources from the World Health Organization and Fraser Health that discuss how to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Why have there been so many COVID-19 vaccines since 2020? This infographic displays how the vaccines have to keep up with COVID-19 variants, starting from the initial variants to the current variants in circulation.

In this recorded presentation from the TMF Quality Innovation Network, health care providers get strategies they can use to promote and administer COVID-19 vaccinations within their communities.

This March 7, 2024, Nursing Home Connect webinar recording features TMF quality improvement specialists who reviewed the most frequently identified regulatory concerns (also known as F-tags) cited in nursing homes. Example scenarios and recommendations for quality improvement related to these citations are also provided.

On Feb. 28, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the recommendation for adults ages 65 years and older to receive an additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose. The recommendation acknowledges the increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19 in older adults, along with the currently available data on vaccine effectiveness.

In this recorded webinar on Feb. 29, 2024, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provide a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) refresher with a focus on reducing hospital readmissions. Learn the tried-and-true QAPI principles of collecting and analyzing data, determining goals and objectives, and implementation and monitoring.

Listen to this TMF Quality Innovation Network Nursing Home Connect webinar recording from Feb. 22, 2024, to hear techniques for discussing a resident's goals and preferences to prepare medical care in a time where they may be unable to make decisions for themselves. This interactive session incorporates case examples and resources that will build confidence for having these hard conversations.

Listen to this TMF Quality Innovation Network Nursing Home Connect webinar recording from Feb. 15, 2024, to hear the lessons learned by Jonas Schaffer, a third-generation owner/operator of Greenhurst Nursing Center in Charleston, Arkansas. Listeners will understand how customer service is a key tool for resident and family member satisfaction and establishing a happy and successful long-term care culture.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) presented a national webinar featuring the TMF QIN-QIO's work with Birchwood of Beeville, Texas, nursing home on Jan. 31, 2024. Hear directly from nursing home teams that developed successful strategies to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and fatigue, schedule onsite vaccination clinics and address staff turnover.

This infographic shows that antivirals reduce the risk of mild COVID-19 symptoms becoming severe, and includes facts about therapeutics, risk factors for COVID-19 and links to resources.

The spectrum of medical therapies to treat COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Here is the latest information on therapeutics.

In this recorded webinar on Feb. 1, 2024, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) introduces a new COVID-19 Outbreak Response Plan to provide resources and guidance for investigation, contact tracing, containment and cohorting, and educational signage. Learn how to ensure a proper communication chain is executed if an outbreak occurs.

Many nursing homes struggle with National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting. Find out how The University Place, a skilled nursing facility in Houston, learned how to achieve 100% reporting compliance and continues to report accurately.

Display this flyer for nursing home staff to avoid reporting “unknown” vaccine status in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Here are tips to complete the search.

This supportive guide can be made available for easy staff access to take immediate action when a COVID-19-positive nursing home resident is identified. Complete this guide in advance by adding your facility-specific policies and procedures where indicated.

The TMF QIN-QIO created this useful checklist of recommendations to assist in controlling a COVID-19 outbreak in a nursing home setting.

During this Nursing Home Connect webinar recording from Jan. 25, 2024, Susan Wehry, MD, director of AgingME, discusses the physical and mental challenges faced by health care staff since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nationally recognized geriatric psychiatrist, Dr. Wehry provides lessons and strategies on overcoming those lasting effects.

With so much misinformation out there, finding a reliable source is crucial for obtaining accurate and trustworthy information. Use this process to determine the credibility of sources for your research or education needs.

In this recorded debut on Jan. 11, 2024, of our new weekly Nursing Home Connect webinars on Thursdays, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists teach key components for successful reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) in 2024.

Did you know that each day more than 98,000 people need to see a doctor because of injuries at home? This quick Powtoon, or video cartoon, illustrates how risky our daily lives are in comparison to getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Older Americans who are not vaccinated are at greater risk of serious illness. Read this press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advising vaccines to protect older adults against all three fall/winter respiratory illnesses: flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

In this Dec. 19, 2023, recording, learn how Holmes County Long Term Care (LTC) in Durant, Mississippi, used a “vaccine blitz” to double COVID-19 vaccination rates. Simple instructions guide you to increase your facility’s up-to-date rates, too.

Print this out for nursing home residents who enjoy crossword puzzles or staff can solve the puzzle online by typing in the PDF.

Use this simple roadmap to delegate steps and increase COVID-19 up-to-date vaccination rates in nursing homes.

Discover how Holmes County Long-Term Care in Durant, Mississippi, was able to double its resident up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination rates in just one month with assistance from the TMF QIN-QIO.

Here are five reasons for grandparents to be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine.

In this Dec. 7, 2023, recording, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal tips and strategies to increase vaccine uptake for this respiratory virus season, and provide useful infection prevention resources for long-term care facilities.

In this Nov. 28, 2023, recording, learn how Morningside Manor at The Meadows in San Antonio, Texas, used education and vaccine champions to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.

This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link provides guidance for storage, preparation, scheduling, administration and dosage for all updated 2023-2024 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine products.

This CDC link provides guidance for storage, preparation, scheduling, administration and dosage for all updated 2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine products.

This CDC link provides guidance for storage, preparation, scheduling, administration and dosage for all updated 2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine products.

Use this simple planning form when talking with nursing facility residents about immunizations (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, RSV, shingles).

This tool shows how to measure and improve staff morale with proven strategies and ideas to celebrate and motivate your staff.

Display this immunizations infographic in facilities to show how vaccines control, eliminate and eradicate disease.

TMF Quality Improvement Specialists provide nursing homes with free infection control assessments on site and online. This short video explains what to expect from TMF’s visit.

In this Oct. 24, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists discuss how nursing home staff can cope with their physical and emotional conditions despite COVID-19 fatigue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are more likely to develop severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and need hospitalization. Display this flyer in your nursing facility to promote RSV vaccination.

TMF's Nursing Home team lists some common concerns that people give for not receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine, followed by reasons why being up to date is important.

This tool can be useful in approaching discussions about vaccinations such as COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, etc.

Nursing facilities can use this toolkit for the latest resources and updates about reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) created this toolkit to help long-term care providers encourage and facilitate vaccinations among their residents and staff.

The COVID-19 vaccine was available to the public so quickly because the research had already started 30 years ago. Here are the facts about mRNA vaccines.

Use this tool to identify process gaps and improvement opportunities related to influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation has released an environmental scan that details the improvements made to COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates, in particular highlighting individuals who are at a disproportionate risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19 or experiencing related adverse outcomes because of chronic conditions.

In this Oct. 10, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists walk through a seamless transition of care, including effective communication of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Nursing facilities can use this toolkit for the latest resources and updates about COVID-19 vaccines.

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.

Download this fillable checklist to help plan your nursing home facility's COVID-19 vaccine clinic. Each step of the way is outlined, including helpful resources.

The journey to COVID-19 infection control starts with each one of us. This flyer for nursing homes displays all the important prevention methods to encourage in your facility.

In this Sept. 26, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists discuss the latest variant classifications, how variants occur, how they are tracked and how COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines are evolving to adapt to new variants.

Celebrate and recognize the Vaccine Champions on your nursing facility staff with this Word template. Add a photo, your logo and own words and post this flyer in your facility to promote your staff and their commitment to infection prevention.

Engage nursing home residents with this fun educational word game.

Use this planning form when talking with nursing facility residents about their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Here is the latest update of the TMF QIN-QIO's most popular nursing home materials for quality improvement, all located in the Resource Library on TMFnetworks.org.

In this Sept. 12, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network–Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists discuss the importance of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, routine vaccinations for older adults this season and our new immunization resources toolkit.

This success story shows how Morningside at the Meadows, a senior living community in San Antonio, Texas, managed to get all residents up to date with the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect you and your family from getting sick. Nursing facilities can post this flyer to educate visitors and families when and how they should wash their hands to stay healthy.

Promote and recognize the COVID-19 vaccine champions in your nursing homes with this flyer that allows them to personalize their reason why it is important. What is your why?

Nursing facilities can use these flu, pneumonia, COVID-19 and RSV immunization resources for staff, residents and family.

Promote infection control and prevention among nursing home staff with this poster to encourage and recognize Hand Hygiene Heroes.

National Public Radio (NPR) regularly answers frequently asked questions about the coronavirus. In this article, find out when protection of COVID vaccines and boosters wane and more.

Did you know that only 26.6% of persons who identify as Hispanic/Latino are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations? This infographic reveals data about how COVID-19 has affected Hispanic/Latino communities.

In this Aug. 22, 2023, recording, learn how cultural disparities, generational factors and gender can affect COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. TMF QIN-QIO specialists discuss ways to leverage this information to develop new understandings and design processes to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff Group Facilitator’s Guide makes it easy to integrate this training into existing staff meetings or orientations and fosters team collaboration. Nursing homes that complete the CMS training will help QIN-QIOs document COVID-19 infection prevention and control training among 75 percent of staff members in your facility.

Cut out these Badge Buddy infection prevention tips to insert in nursing home staff badge holders. Also, promote your Vaccine Champions and Hand Hygiene Heroes with logo versions. There are vertical and horizontal versions to suit your needs.

Use this form to keep nursing facility staff up to date with current immunizations recommendations, maintain complete, up-to-date resident records, and maintain and protect your vaccine supplies.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a higher incidence of death in the Black population from COVID-19 than the U.S. population as a whole. This flyer also includes information about the vaccine research and benefits.

We know that new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur. Refer to this fact sheet for fundamental knowledge about COVID-19 variants.

In this Aug. 8, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists discuss the impact of Long COVID on nursing facility residents and review ways to prevent it in your facility.

What are the risks and symptoms of Long COVID-19? Refer to this infographic for details.

Display this poster about preventing Long COVID and getting up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations in your facility.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been used to treat many diseases. Use this fact sheet by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to learn about mAbs and active versus passive immunity.

In this July 25, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists share ways to celebrate and motivate staff through education and infection prevention.

With some perseverance and free technical assistance and education resources from the TMF QIN-QIO, Victoria Gardens of Frisco, Texas, succeeded in convincing 30 residents and family that the COVID-19 bivalent vaccine is necessary.

In this July 11, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provide tools and explain how to complete a root cause analysis (RCA) and align QAPI goals with your RCA.

What is mRNA? What is in the vaccine? Refer to this fact sheet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for quick answers to these questions and more.

Look for this Vaccine Champion logo on nursing home staff badges to answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Use this cute flyer in nursing facilities to encourage staff to become COVID-19 Vaccine Champions and promote infection prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a June 26, 2023, health advisory about malaria cases detected in Florida and Texas, and that increased international travel over the summer season may increase risk of malaria.

This flyer from the British Society for Immunology explains how the vaccines for COVID-19 have been developed so fast.

Nursing facilities can use this TMF QIN-QIO template when requested to perform a Quality Improvement Initiative (QII) Plan. This template will assist you with performing your root cause analysis and determining what appropriate interventions to implement and monitor. It also includes the CMS Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) SMART Goal Worksheet.

In this June 27, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists present a Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) scenario that focuses on COVID-19 bivalent vaccination rates and highlights the importance of ensuring you have the best members at the table to maximize effectiveness.

This fact sheet outlines the changes that nursing facilities need to know as a result of the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.

Now you can reward your nursing home partners that have completed the "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff and Management" with a customizable Kudos Kit to share their accomplishment with their families, staff, social media followers and local media.

The spectrum of medical therapies to treat COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Listen to this June 6, 2023, recording where TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization specialists discuss which medications are indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in non-hospitalized residents.

Like many nursing homes, Calder Woods in Beaumont, Texas, found residents and family inconsistent with wearing masks to help prevent infection, particularly the coronavirus. Find out the steps they took to success.

How can you motivate nursing home staff to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations? Here are some proven ideas and best practices to incentivize vaccine champions in your facility.

Maintain infection control precautions in nursing homes with this infographic, which shows proper steps for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene.

How can the TMF QIN-QIO help your nursing facility? See what other nursing homes have to say about our quality improvement expertise, especially with COVID-19 vaccinations, in this short testimonial video.

In this May 2, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists provide ways that everyone in your facility can use Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities for continuous improvement daily, including a scenario on improving COVID-19 bivalent vaccination rates.

Learn how Sharpview Residence and Rehabilitation Center in Houston increased its resident and employee COVID-19 bivalent vaccination rates.

In this April 25, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists review proper protocols for storage of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines. We also review tips and best practices for running a successful vaccine clinic.

Social risk factors, otherwise known as social determinants of health (SDOH), are nonmedical factors that influence resident outcomes. In this April 18, 2023, recording, ATW Health Solutions discusses screening tools, reimbursement factors and how to embed collecting SDOH data into your daily practices. We also review how these risk factors can affect COVID-19 vaccination status

In this April 11, 2023, recording, Kate Tyner from the Nebraska Infection Control Assessment and Promotion Program (ICAP) discusses environmental cleaning and disinfection, which often includes directions that are complex for low-literacy staff. Learn solutions to overcome these challenges. This video also includes a regional update on COVID-19 bivalent vaccination rates.

In this April 4, 2023, recording,TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists demonstrate how Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) principles result in better infection control, including increased COVID-19 bivalent vaccine rates.

In this March 28, 2023, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists reveal the impact visual displays have on improving engagement with facility populations. Learn how communication boards help educate and engage staff, residents and visitors to improve infection

In this March 21, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists share ideas on how ancillary departments such as housekeeping, dietary, physical therapy and activities can be keys to increasing bivalent vaccination rates. Learn how to empower non-clinical staff to join efforts that may be considered a “clinical” responsibility.

To improve infection prevention and control, use this chart to easily list your facility's approved disinfectants as well as the EPA registration number and company for each.

Nursing facilities can use this new toolkit for the latest resources and updates about COVID-19 therapeutics.

Use these fun posters around your facility to spread infection control and smiles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides COVID-19 tools, information and action steps to share with your family, friends and health care providers.

In this March 14, 2023, recording, leadership from Jefferson County Nursing Home in Fayette, Mississippi, discusses how they increased resident bivalent vaccination rates by more than 80% and have remained COVID-19 free since August 2022.

Learn how Jefferson County Nursing Home in Fayette, Mississippi, increased resident bivalent vaccination rates by more than 80% and have remained COVID-19 free since August 2022.

In this March 7, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists share best practices regarding nursing home staffing and discuss how vital organizational culture is to staff satisfaction and morale. We also provide an update on regional bivalent vaccination rates.

Employee “value” is a culture-building tool in which you identify the motivating values of an employee and commit to exchanging those values with them as their supervisor. Download this Currency Questionnaire to get started.

In this Feb. 28, 2023, recording, Diana Cervantes, DrPH, professor at the University of North Texas Center for Older Adults, shares infection prevention and control best practices for respiratory illness outbreaks, including the role of COVID-19 vaccination.

In this Feb. 21, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists demonstrate information in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), including addressing common challenges with up-to-date reporting of COVID-19 vaccinations

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs has prepared this fact sheet detailing what will change and what will not with the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, planned for May 11.

Discover how the staff at Park View Care Center in Fort Worth, Texas, successfully implemented a program to allow available space for all new admissions and readmissions, including those with COVID-19.

In this Feb. 14, 2023, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists share how to build and maintain trust with staff and residents to increase bivalent vaccinations

On Feb. 14, 2023, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

In this Feb. 7, 2023, recording, this series finale addresses COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and other barriers. TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists also reveal tips for effective bivalent vaccine campaigns.

On Feb. 7, 2023, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Here is the PowerPoint from the TMF QIN-QIO's office hours open Q&A session.

In this Jan. 24, 2023, recording, learn how to leverage your Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) process to motivate staff and residents and ensure accurate reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

On Jan. 24, 2023, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

The ultimate goal in using MI is to empower others in developing change talk. The more change talk that people do, the more likely they are to commit to different behaviors. This final episode covers skills to help others recognize their need for change and begin planning for action.

Find out how a TMF QIN-QIO specialist can help your nursing facility today with COVID-19 vaccine access, education, reporting assistance and quality improvement.

Here is a template for you to provide to your staff or nursing home residents who decline receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons. This document provides general information related to the law but does not provide legal advice.

Listening with empathy and understanding allows others to get unstuck, clarify values, explore the pros and cons of tough decisions and open doorways to change. This episode provides easy-to-use tactics to help with the willingness to explore options and gain vaccine acceptance.

Here is the PowerPoint from the TMF QIN-QIO's Q&A session on Jan. 17, 2023, that answered questions about National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting.

In this Jan. 10, 2023, recording, the TMF QIN-QIO begins a three-part series by reviewing up-to-date information and guiding you in reaching 100% COVID-19 up-to-date vaccinations.

Without using the basic motivationaI interviewing skills, you can miss an opportunity to help someone make a change. This episode discusses how to communicate to quickly build trust and rapport, enabling you to understand motivation and the factors making change difficult.

On Jan. 10, 2023, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Read this success story to learn why and how Jones County Rest Home in Ellis, Mississippi went back to the basics of proper hand hygiene after investigating the cause of a COVID-19 outbreak at their facility.

Read this success story about Good Shepherd Lutheran Home's efforts to find the possible initial cause of and contain a sudden COVID-19 outbreak in August 2022. The practices and education they put in place will help to prevent future outbreaks.

In this Jan. 3, 2023, recording, the TMF QIN-QIO helps your staff use Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) tools to ensure continuous improvement in COVID-19 bivalent vaccine rates

On Jan. 3, 2023, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

In this first episode of a four-part series, TMF QIN-QIO specialists introduce the concept of motivational interviewing and the GRACE tool, which uses nonjudgmental conversation to help someone understand their own “why” for making a change.

Here is the PowerPoint from the TMF QIN-QIO's webinar on Jan. 3, 2023, that discussed Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) and an NHSN update.

In this Dec. 27, 2022, recording, the TMF QIN-QIO provides updates and guidance for the challenges of winter in nursing facilities, including concerning viruses and new COVID-19 variants, up-to-date vaccinations, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in older adults.

On Dec. 27, 2022, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)

In this Dec. 20, 2022, recording, learn how Good Shepherd Lutheran Home worked with the TMF QIN-QIO to achieve nearly 100% COVID-19 vaccination rates for their residents.

On Dec. 20, 2022, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

This Dec. 8, 2022, LTC Connect recording focuses on ways to reduce emergency department visits and readmissions during the holiday season. Discussion includes preventive measures such as influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations.

On Dec. 13, 2022, TMF QIN-QIO specialists provided a brief update on reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

In this Dec. 13, 2022, recording, learn how Ponderosa Villa got up to date with the bivalent COVID-19 booster the first week it was available.

There are four color levels for mask guidance classified by the CDC based on local county COVID-19 transmission rates. Use these signs in your facility to show your local county's current transmission rate level and mask guidance.

This web-friendly holiday poster reminds readers of the three Ws to keep your season happy and bright - wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

This printable holiday poster reminds readers of the three Ws to keep your season happy and bright - wear a mask, wash your hands and watch your distance.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation from TMF's Dec. 6, 2022, Nursing Home Office Hours, which includes recent state National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reports.

This fall the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated COVID-19 testing recommendations that coincided with the new bivalent boosters. In this Nov. 29, 2022, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists review these recommendations and provide updates.

In this Nov. 22, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists provide information on caring for residents with cognitive impairments while keeping them safe.

In this Nov. 15, 2022, recording, TMF QIN-QIO specialists discuss infection control procedures, including COVID-19 vaccinations, as a way to prevent sepsis.

Get Ahead of Sepsis is a national educational effort that emphasizes the importance of early recognition, timely treatment, reassessment of antibiotic needs, and prevention of infections. Here are sepsis fact sheets, infographics, posters, brochures and social media content from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Register now for TMF's Nursing Home Office Hours on Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. December topics include preparing for the winter wave and learning how two nursing facilities tackled challenges.

In this Nov. 8, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists provide an update on treatments, precautions and vaccine recommendations, specifically for residents with diabetes.

How can your health care office bill for administering the Novavax booster? Who is eligible to receive the Novavax booster? Read the latest entry in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Medicare Learning Network newsletter for the new CPT codes and list of eligibility.

In our recent Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) During COVID-19 series, we introduced a fun tool called QAPI Land. In this Nov. 1, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists show you how to engage your staff and track progress with this tool to improve COVID-19 vaccine and booster rates.

Here is the PowerPoint from TMF QIN-QIO's open Q&A session on Oct. 25, 2022.

In this Oct. 18, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists discuss ways to ensure that everyone has the recommended COVID-19 boosters and are taking the right precautions to help keep staff and residents safe during the busy visitor season.

Register now for TMF's Nursing Home Office Hours and webinars on Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. CT. November topics include COVID-19 while caring for residents with diabetes or cognitive impairments, as well as sepsis prevention and more.

The fall season brings new information regarding COVID-19 boosters, flu and pneumonia vaccines, and many more immunizations. What is “up to date” now? In this Oct. 11, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists provide the latest guidance and a brief update on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting. Download the PDF handout at https://tmfnetworks.org/link?u=b91be5.

Here is the PowerPoint from TMF QIN-QIO's webinar on Oct. 11, 2022, on up-to-date fall vaccinations.

This Oct. 4, 2022, recording closes out the TMF QIN-QIO series on Motivational Interviewing with developing a plan for change. COVID-19 vaccination decisions must be followed up with a plan that details goals, barriers and solutions, and breaks the action into small steps. TMF specialists provide practical tools to help accomplish this. Download the PDF handout at https://tmfnetworks.org/link?u=037704.

Motivational interviewing, a collaborative conversation style for strengthening motivation and commitment to change, may serve as an effective approach to mitigate vaccine hesitancy in the clinical setting.

This Sept. 27, 2022, recording discusses how to manage resistance to change. You will learn skills to help others get unstuck, clarify values, explore the pros and cons of tough decisions, and create “change talk.” These easy-to-use tactics can help gain COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Download the PDF handout at https://tmfnetworks.org/link?u=10bba4.

Here is the PowerPoint from TMF QIN-QIO's webinar on Oct. 4, 2022, "Motivational Interviewing Series Finale: Developing a Plan for Change."

Here is the PowerPoint from TMF QIN-QIO's webinar on Sept. 27, 2022, "Motivational Interviewing Session 3: Moving People Toward Change."

Here are some ideas that nursing facilities have shared recently for engaging residents and their families as they transition into facilities for both short stays and long-term care.

In this Sept. 20, 2022, recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) specialists teach basic communication skills to quickly build trust and rapport, enabling you to understand motivation and all the factors making change difficult. Viewers also learn how to apply these concepts to conversations about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Download the PDF handout at https://tmfnetworks.org/link?u=fefffb.

Here is the PowerPoint from TMF QIN-QIO's webinar on Sept. 20, 2022, "Motivational Interviewing Session 2: Setting the Stage for Change."

Use this pneumonia example fishbone diagram to help your organization conduct a root cause analysis. This document is a draft of suggestions and must be modified by the facility team to ensure they reflect their QI work.

Use this tool with the pneumonia example to help you set up your measures for reporting your quality improvement project. This document is a draft of suggestions and must be modified by the facility team to ensure they reflect their QI work.

Use this fishbone diagram to help your organization conduct a root cause analysis. This document is a draft of suggestions and must be modified by the facility team to ensure they reflect their QI work.

Since the pandemic began, older adults have seen many changes in their lives, health and relationships. This resource identifies how to recognize changes and provides information on the Eldercare Locator that helps older adults, caregivers and families find local services that help address those changes.

Use this tool with influenza and pneumonia examples to help your team develop the quality improvement plan based on your root case analysis. This document is a draft of suggestions and must be modified by the facility team to ensure they reflect their QI work.

Use this tool with the influenza example to help you set up your measures for reporting your quality improvement project. This document is a draft of suggestions and must be modified by the facility team to ensure they reflect their QI work.

This Sept. 13, 2022, recorded event begins a four-session series focused on Motivational Interviewing. TMF QIN-QIO specialists share a variety of tools and strategies to help you evoke people’s priorities, experiences and ideas for behavior change, including exploring COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

This Sept. 6, 2022, session wraps up the TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization’s (QIN-QIO) Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) series with a self-assessment guide. TMF specialists walk you through a sample assessment based on improving COVID-19 booster rates.

This Aug. 30, 2022, recording of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) series begins with a discussion on strategies to help boost nursing home vaccine rates with short-stay residents. Then a panel of TMF QIN-QIO specialists answer questions related to nursing home challenges with COVID-19 and vaccinations

In this Aug. 23, 2022, recording of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) series, TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization consultants illustrate how to gather data from Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to decide if you will adapt, adopt or abandon your tests of change. Listeners will also learn how to communicate your findings to leadership and set your change in action.

In this Aug. 16, 2022, recording of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) series, learn how to develop SMART goals to advance your change efforts to improve COVID-19 booster acceptance. The TMF Quality Improvement Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) guides you in creating a successful plan using proven performance improvement tools, and in determining process, outcome and balancing measures to track your progress. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII8-16-22.

Use this Excel tool to measure and graph your performance improvement measures.

In this Aug. 9, 2022, recording of the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) series, the TMF QIN-QIO reviews continuous improvement tools that help nursing homes identify the source problem and potential solutions affecting COVID-19 booster acceptance. We discuss tools such as root cause analysis (RCA), the Five Whys Tool, and a fishbone diagram. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII8-9-22.

In this Aug. 2, 2022, webinar recording, the TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) kicks off a series explaining Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) tools, methods and applications, and how to incorporate them into your daily nursing home operations.Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII8-2-22.

Read this article in the New England Journal of Medicine to learn how the drugs developed to treat the virus that causes COVID-19 works, especially against the five sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

This July 21 LTC Connect recording features TMF QIN-QIO subject-matter experts reviewing hand hygiene protocols and proper procedures for donning and doffing personal protective equipment. They also discuss targeted COVID-19 training from CMS for management and frontline staff, including vaccination system preparation.

In this July 26, 2022, webinar recording, the TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) discusses how some facilities have developed creative ways to maintain open communication with residents and their families and encouraged COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII7-26-22.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for PAXLOVID for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in certain adults and pediatric patients at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. On July 6, the FDA revised the EUA to let pharmacists prescribe and dispense PAXLOVID to eligible patients without seeing a doctor or other clinician.

In this July 12, 2022, webinar recording, TMF QIN-QIO provides an update on the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting requirements for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, as well as the latest recommendations. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII7-12-22.

In this July 5, 2022, webinar recording, we spotlight the best ideas that we have found this year to overcome daily challenges with COVID-19 and vaccinations in nursing facilities. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII7-5-22.

Valuable peer-to-peer learning is shared during TMF Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization’s (QIN-QIO) weekly Nursing Home Office Hours. This article shines a spotlight on some of the best ideas revealed during the first half of 2022 to overcome daily challenges with COVID-19 and vaccinations in nursing facilities.

In this June 28, 2022, webinar recording, TMF Quality Innovation Network's (QIN) behavioral health medical director Clifford Moy, MD, leads a discussion about health equity in the provision of COVID-19 vaccinations, and reviews the concepts and definitions of this topic as it applies to nursing facilities. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII6-28-22.

This series of three learning modules focuses on identifying the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, knowing when and how to report signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and remembering to maintain infection prevention processes.

Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters is a primary line of defense for this illness. In this June 21, 2022, webinar recording, TMF reviews vaccination information, then focuses on competency checks versus observational audits, and their importance in infection prevention and control practices. We also review the tools used and briefly discuss the World Health Organization’s multimodal approach to decreasing health care-associated infections. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII6-21-22.

This June 16, 2022, LTC Connect recording features TMF QIN-QIO subject-matter experts reviewing recent updates to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting system, including changes to the data that facilities are asked to report in the COVID-19 Pathway and Vaccination modules.

This brief document details the COVID-19 Reporting data fields with the associated CMS reporting deadlines and frequency.

In this June 14, 2022, webinar recording Marilyn Pattillo, PhD, RN, FAAN, APRN, discusses nursing home preparedness for the next epidemic or pandemic. The discussion includes durable medical supplies, education and training, and staffing. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII6-14-22.

In this June 7, 2022, webinar recording TMF’s Infection Preventionist Samuel Elenwo, BS, MPH, CIC, looks at the distinction between the common cold, flu, allergies and COVID-19. He will review the causes, mode of transmission, treatment, prevention and best practices to break the chain of infection. Download the PDF handout at https://bit.ly/QII6-7-22.

In this May 31, 2022, webinar recording TMF specialists review the important factors in maintaining continuity of facility operations when key staff members leave. We cover preparing for continued NHSN reporting, infection preventionist activity, as well as policy and procedure maintenance.

Organizational culture has a major impact on staff satisfaction, retention and COVID-19 vaccination rates. In this May 24, 2022, webinar recording TMF reviews the impact leadership rounding can have on building a positive culture.

What is herd immunity or community immunity? Both phrases mean the same thing. The strategy behind the phrases is to make sure there are enough people in the community who are either not able to catch a disease or not able to spread the disease so that the disease dies out. Listen to this podcast with Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute, and Clifford Moy, MD, the behavioral health medical director at TMF, to learn more.

This May 19, 2022, LTC Connect recording features Amie Taggart Blaszczyk, PharmD, BCGP, BCPS, FASCP, professor and division head of Geriatrics & Pediatrics with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, discussing her research on medication issues seen in the wake of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Her findings show the dangers of polypharmacy and interactions beyond the acute illness, and can inform us about what to watch out for when any acute illness occurs in residents.

How does the body defend against infections? How can vaccines improve immunity? Listen to this podcast with Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute, and Clifford Moy, MD, the behavioral health medical director at TMF, to learn more.

We know that when you get a vaccination, it stimulates the production of antibodies. Vaccinations help train our bodies to defend against infectious agents. Listen to this podcast with Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute, and Clifford Moy, MD, the behavioral health medical director at TMF, to learn more.

You may be confused about whether your symptoms are truly allergy related, flu or symptoms of an infection like COVID-19. This flyer helps distinguish the differences.

This May 10, 2022, webinar recording discusses strategies for successful recruitment, hiring and retention of staff for long-term care facilities during COVID-19. In addition to TMF specialists, nursing facility leaders also share specific suggestions.

The burden of COVID-19, including vaccination mandates and changes, has affected all staff. This May 3, 2022, webinar recording continues our discussion from the LTC Connect on April 21, and talks about strategies that nursing facilities may use to deal with burnout and compassion fatigue.

This April 26, 2022, webinar recording provides tools and strategies to develop your own vaccine clinic and the role community partnerships may play in this endeavor.

This document acknowledges challenges to and provides strategies for preventing the spread of COVID-19 among long-term community residents living with dementia.

This article shares some reasons why people with dementia resist wearing masks (e.g., post-war trauma) and also provides tips on how to help overcome that resistance.

This Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality - AHRQ - document provides guidance on what fit testing is, how to do it and what the person being tested can expect.

This April 12, 2022, webinar recording reveals how COVID-19 has impacted the hospital admission and readmission rates for nursing homes. We also discuss resident transitions to and from the hospital, and the importance of improving communication to assure safe transitions.

This April 5, 2022, webinar recording presents the latest guidelines and common misinformation, with a pharmacist providing insight into how to respond to common misinformation. We also review the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines through the different variants.

This March 29, 2022, webinar recording discusses the guidelines for medical and religious exemptions reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), and the impact these exemptions have on vaccine measures for facilities.

TMF created these brief videos for National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) basic training for nursing homes. Part 2 explains how to obtain the Level 3 Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) Grid Card, and how to add and delete users in NHSN. Also, look on this page for the accompanying PowerPoint (PDF) with important links and resources. (Note: Parts 1, 3 and 4 are being updated.)

This March 22, 2022, webinar recording takes a deep dive into common areas of misunderstanding, such as vaccine development, antibody protection, and how herd immunity works. Additionally, tactics are shared for how concepts can be communicated effectively.

TMF’s Nursing Home team held a webinar discussion on Staffing Challenges and Solutions During COVID-19 on March 1, 2022. Here are some staffing solutions generated from nursing home administrators, directors of nursing and others who participated.

Which is safer for building immunity -- getting a COVID-19 vaccine or getting sick with the disease? This article from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) has the answers.

This March 8, 2022, webinar recording focuses on the impact of health literacy in vaccine hesitancy. Strategies are shared to tailor communications for different populations and individual factors such as attitudes, culture, education and stress levels.

Download this fillable flyer to announce your long-term care facility's next COVID-19 vaccine clinic date.

This March 1, 2022, webinar recording explores common staffing challenges and innovative solutions developed by nursing home facilities during the pandemic.

This Feb. 22, 2022, webinar recording reviews methods to decrease friction and increase “fuel” to promote healthy behaviors in nursing homes in times of change.

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of the monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adult and pediatric patients when they meet certain criteria.

This communication tool offers fuel-based interventions intended to increase vaccine uptake and friction-based interventions that respond to hidden barriers that hold people back from vaccination.

The Texas Department of State Health Services has created new interactive data dashboards to help increase awareness about the need for everyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

This Feb. 8, 2022, webinar recording is based on the “Crucial Conversations” method, and provides tools for how to have a safe conversation about vaccinations and boosters when the stakes are high. Because there are differing opinions, it can be emotionally charged. Wendy Bradley, LPC-MHSP, CPHQ, TMF's director of behavioral health integration, and Clifford Moy, MD, TMF's behavioral health medical director, are the featured presenters.

The Mississippi State Department of Health lists the latest information about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Listen to this webinar recording from Feb. 1, 2022, to learn practical, skills-based methods you and your team can apply to explore vaccine resistance and address residents’ and caregivers’ questions and concerns. Clifford Moy, MD, TMF's behavioral health medical director, and Wendy Bradley, LPC-MHSP, CPHQ, TMF's director of behavioral health integration, are the featured presenters.

The Food and Drug Administration has not authorized or approved ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19 in humans or animals.

Listen to this webinar recording from Jan. 25, 2022, as Russell Kohl, MD, TMF's chief medical officer, provides a quick overview of best practices for COVID-19 testing, treatment (including vaccines and boosters) and return-to-work protocols for nursing homes.

This toolkit provides information about COVID-19, including resources on steps to preventing the spread of the virus, building trust in vaccines, providing guidance on vaccinations and learning more about the different variants.

Listen to this podcast from the week of Aug. 30, 2021, with Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute. Dr. Kohl explains what viral variants are, how they respond to vaccines, and why getting vaccinated and wearing masks are both still important protective measures to follow to help protect yourself and others from being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Listen to this podcast from the week of Aug. 30, 2021, with Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute. Dr. Kohl explains the process the drug manufacturer, Pfizer/BioNTech, followed to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for its COVID-19 vaccine.

Read this update on COVID-19 and the delta variant from Russell Kohl, MD, FAAFP, chief medical officer at TMF Health Quality Institute, and Clifford Moy, MD, behavioral health medical director at TMF Health Quality Institute. Share this information with your patients, residents, co-workers, families, friends and your community to help educate everyone on what they can do to reduce infections and hospitalizations.

Provides an overview of current COVID-19 vaccines and guidance for uses in pregnant, recently pregnant and nonpregnant individuals.

The American Hospital Association has updated the Well-being Playbook with tools to support teams who work directly with patients with COVID-19. This version includes curated resources specific to COVID-19 on suicide prevention, operationalizing peer support, and a guide to walk leaders through well-being program development and execution.

The de Beaumont Foundation offers concise, practical guidance around language and messaging to support vaccine acceptance. This toolkit includes communication tips and specific recommended language emerging from a broader survey conducted on the topic.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity has released two videos that speak to the importance of COVID-19 vaccines, how communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and how it is important to get vaccinated to protect themselves and loved ones from the virus. The videos are available in English and Spanish.

The COVID-19 crisis is constantly evolving—so Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has developed a powerful tracking and data visualization system to provide daily updates to the public on the state of the pandemic. JHU’s Daily COVID-19 Data in Motion report shares critical data on COVID-19 from the last 24 hours. Explore COVID-19 trends with in-depth data tracking.

A retrospective cohort study describing the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in long-stay nursing home residents. Key takeaways, such as predictors and the most common symptoms may be helpful when developing strategies to early detection and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

The AHA released a new edition of the COVID-19 Snapshot highlighting the critical needs of hospitals and health systems during the deepening public health emergency.

Bryan Health developed this poster showing the levels of risk for the spread of COVID-19 with and without a mask. Download the PDF and share this important information with your team and residents.

John Hopkins University offers a new, free e-learning course to help people understand the COVID-19 pandemic. The course is set up as a series of short modules to explore the pandemic and specifics about the virus, including discussion of the virus that causes COVID-19 and the pandemic’s broader implications for society.

A regional work group in Allegheny County Pennsylvania identified a risk of transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 infection from residents of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities who also visit dialysis facilities. Download this memo and communication form from the National Forum of ESRD Networks that explains the identified problem and proposed solution to minimize infection.

The New England Journal of Medicine has compiled this collection of best practices and recent developments to reference as health care facilities continue to learn and apply the best strategies to treat patients who have COVID-19.

Download and share this handout from the World Health Organization that shows when it is important to wash your hands when caring for a patient or resident.

Use this readiness book checklist created by Health Quality Innovation Network to prepare necessary documents for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services COVID-19 focused survey.

Use this COVID-19 assessment by Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association and others to facilitate communication during transition between care settings.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights lists answers to questions about COVID-19 and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule disclosures in this document.

SAMHSA recognizes the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 situation and is providing the following guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities and states across the country.

The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) has issued position statements on preventing injury with N95 masks.

Download this infographic from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) about preventing injury with N95 masks.

This course will provide infection prevention and control (IPC) training for individuals responsible for IPC programs in nursing homes.

The American College of Medical Toxicology provides a collaborative web series on emerging COVID-19 topics featuring voices from the front lines.

This five-minute video offers a step-by-step mask-wearing how-to, along with some do's and dont's.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) answers frequently asked questions about how to wear a cloth face covering.

More than 50 activities and resources for the populations you serve.

Current information, tools and resources to help LeadingAge members plan for and respond to COVID-19.

On April 13, 2020, CMS released supplemental information for transferring or discharging residents between facilities for the purpose of cohorting residents based on COVID-19 status.

Get the important information from this April 14, 2020, training webinar presented by CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is providing timely recommendations, regulatory information, guidance, and technical assistance to support rapid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response efforts.

Keep up with the important work the Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19.

Listen to this webinar from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as they answer questions during office hours on April 14, 2020.

This information from the American Heart Association (AHA) is intended to help health care providers reduce the risk for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) transmission, especially with regards to resuscitation care.

Here are CMS' frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) billing during COVID-19.

Email your COVID-19 questions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at Covid-19@cms.hhs.gov.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) official website has the latest resources related to COVID-19. It is updated regularly with clinical and technical announcements for providers and facilities, as well as guidance on billing and codes, coverage, provider enrollment and more.

CMS announced the following blanket waivers are in effect, with a retroactive effective date of March 1, 2020, through the end of the emergency declaration.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created this social media toolkit to help localize efforts in responding to the virus that causes COVID-19.

This interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pertains to critical infrastructure workers.

Listen to this webinar from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as they answer questions during office hours on April 9, 2020.

Here are tips and information from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors to protect yourself and your family.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded its current Accelerated and Advance Payment Program to a broader group of Medicare Part A providers and Part B suppliers for the duration of the public health emergency

On April 7, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) experts provided updates on recent actions taken to address the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Listen to the recording and read the transcipt of this April 8, 2020, CMS webinar for nursing homes during COVID-19 emergency.

On April 3, 2020, CMS Administrator Seema Verma, Deborah Birx, MD, White House Coronavirus Task Force, and officials from the FDA, CDC, and FEMA participated in a call on COVID-19 flexibilities.

This is a 45-second video demonstration from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report, updated each Friday, summarizes and interprets key indicators, including information related to COVID-19 outpatient visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths, as well as laboratory data.

This on-demand webinar from The Joint Commission provides an overview of the spectrum of clinical presentations of coronavirus and specific suggestions for decreasing the risk of transmission in nursing care centers.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission presented a nursing facility COVID-19 webinar for Texas providers.

This CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN) video provides answers to common questions about the Medicare telehealth services benefit.

Read the latest actions the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This April 8, 2020, webinar by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided a COVID-19 update for rural health partners.

April 3, 2020, memorandum from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides interim guidance to compliance safety and health officers (CSHOs).

Read about exceptions and extensions for Quality reporting requirements for acute care hospitals, PPS-exempt cancer hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospices, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term care (LTC) hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASC), renal dialysis facilities, and MIPS-eligible clinicians affected by COVID-19.

April 16, 2020, webinar by TMIT Research.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to wear a cloth face covering

Answers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about cloth face coverings

This CDC document offers a series of strategies or options to optimize supplies of disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (commonly called “N95 respirators”) in health care settings when there is limited supply.

Here is a list of CMS changes due to COVID-19.

CMS provides guidance to states on how to apply for Section 1135 waivers through the Medicaid Disaster Response Tool Kit.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new tools to help speed states’ access to emergency flexibilities and resources.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) compiled the best practices and lessons learned that communities have already faced fighting COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are issuing new recommendations to state and local governments and long-term care facilities (also known as nursing homes) to help mitigate the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

CMS released these new changes on April 29, 2020.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are directing facilities to screen health care personnel (HCP) prior to allowing them to work or provide services in the facility. This form is intended to document screening of HCP.

This is a brief training related to a focused COVID-19 survey for nursing home surveyors.

Ensemble Health Partners provides the latest coding updates due to COVID-19.

Here are some everyday steps, steps when someone is sick, and considerations for employers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Transcripts and audio recordings of the CDC's public service announcements can be found here.

Here are the CDC's public health communication options at U.S. ports of entry.

Here are the latest CDC updates for face coverings, care plans, persons with disabilities, managing anxiety and stress, and more.

This guide is published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) provides a list of provider and information letters.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers tips for social distancing, quarantine and isolation during an infectious disease outbreak.

Essential resources for long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) from the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN).

This fact sheet in Spanish for Puerto Rico provides the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all persons.

Nursing facilities can copy and paste this form letter in Spanish for Puerto Rico to communicate with their residents and family members about the updated COVID-19 vaccines.

Is a nursing home resident or employee "up to date" on their COVID-19 vaccinations? Refer to this infographic in Spanish for Puerto Rico to understand current "up-to-date" definitions when reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Spring is in the air — and so is COVID-19! It is now recommended that people over 65 get an additional 2023-2024 vaccine dose. Display this flyer in Spanish for Puerto Rico to educate staff and residents in nursing facilities.

As of March 2024, people ages 65 years and older should receive one additional dose of any 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least four months following the previous dose of the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Refer to this fact sheet in Spanish for Puerto Rico for specific guidance.

Download this Spanish for Puerto Rico poster to promote up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations in your facility.

The spectrum of medical therapies to treat COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Here is the latest information on therapeutics in Spanish for Puerto Rico.

Use this simple planning form in Spanish for Puerto Rico when talking with nursing facility residents about immunizations (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, RSV, shingles).

Display this immunizations infographic in Spanish for Puerto Rico to show how vaccines control, eliminate and eradicate disease.

This tool in Spanish for Puerto Rico shows how to measure and improve staff morale with proven strategies and ideas to celebrate and motivate your staff.

In this Spanish for Puerto Rico question and answer (Q&A) sheet, TMF's Nursing Home team lists some common concerns that people give for not receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine, followed by reasons why being up to date is important.

The COVID-19 vaccine was available to the public so quickly because the research had already started 30 years ago. Here are the facts about mRNA vaccines in Spanish for Puerto Rico.

The journey to COVID-19 infection control starts with each one of us. This flyer in Spanish for Puerto Rico displays all the important prevention methods to encourage in nursing homes.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect you and your family from getting sick. Nursing facilities can post this flyer in Spanish for Puerto Rico to educate visitors and families when and how they should wash their hands to stay healthy.

Use this care plan form in Spanish for Puerto Rico when talking with nursing facility residents about their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Use this form in Spanish for Puerto Rico to keep nursing facility staff up to date with current immunizations recommendations, maintain complete, up-to-date resident records, and maintain and protect your vaccine supplies.

Promote infection control and prevention among nursing home staff with this poster in Spanish for Puerto Rico to encourage and recognize Hand Hygiene Heroes.

How long are you contagious with flu, COVID-19, pneumonia or RSV? Nursing homes can use this football-themed flyer in Spanish for Puerto Rico to promote reasons for fall immunizations.

We know that new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur. Refer to this fact sheet in Spanish for Puerto Rico for fundamental knowledge about COVID-19 variants.

What are the risks and symptoms of Long COVID-19? Refer to this infographic in Spanish for Puerto Rico for details.

Cut out these Spanish for Puerto Rico Badge Buddy infection prevention tips to insert in nursing home staff badge holders. There are vertical and horizontal versions to suit your needs. Also, display your Vaccine Champions and Hand Hygiene Heroes with the trophy logo versions.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a higher incidence of death in the Black population from COVID-19 than the U.S. population as a whole. This flyer in Spanish for Puerto Rico also includes information about the vaccine research and benefits.

Protect your grandkids and families this season by getting the updated COVID-19 vaccination.

Nursing facilities can use this TMF template in Spanish for Puerto Rico when requested to perform a QII Plan. This template will assist you with performing your root cause analysis and determining what appropriate interventions to implement and monitor.

This fact sheet in Spanish for Puerto Rico details the CDC's June 26, 2023, health advisory about malaria cases detected in Florida and Texas, and that increased international travel over the summer season may increase risk of malaria.

This fact sheet outlines in Spanish for Puerto Rico the changes that nursing facilities need to know as a result of the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.

How can you motivate nursing home staff to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations? Here are some proven ideas and best practices in Spanish for Puerto Rico to incentivize vaccine champions in your facility.

Maintain infection control precautions in nursing homes with this infographic in Spanish for Puerto Rico, which shows proper steps for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene.

Did you know that only 26.6% of persons who identify as Hispanic/Latino are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations? This infographic in Spanish for Puerto Rico reveals data about how COVID-19 has affected Hispanic/Latino communities.

Use these fun posters in Spanish for Puerto Rico around your facility to spread infection control and smiles.

There are four color levels for mask guidance classified by the CDC based on local county COVID-19 transmission rates. Use these signs in Spanish for Puerto Rico to show your local county's current transmission rate level and mask guidance.

Here in Spanish for Puerto Rico are five reasons for grandparents to be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine.

This U.S. Spanish fact sheet provides the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all persons.

Nursing facilities can copy and paste this U.S. Spanish form letter to communicate with their residents and family members about the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Is a nursing home resident or employee "up to date" on their COVID-19 vaccinations? Refer to this infographic in U.S. Spanish to understand current "up-to-date" definitions when reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Spring is in the air — and so is COVID-19! It is now recommended that people over 65 get an additional 2023-2024 vaccine dose. Display this U.S. Spanish flyer in nursing facilities to educate staff and residents.

As of March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people ages 65 years and older should receive one additional dose of any 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine at least four months following the previous dose of the updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Refer to this fact sheet in U.S. Spanish for specific guidance.

Download this U.S. Spanish poster to promote up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations in your facility.

The spectrum of medical therapies to treat COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. Here is the latest information on therapeutics in U.S. Spanish.

Here in U.S. Spanish are five reasons for grandparents to be up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine.

Use this simple planning form in U.S. Spanish when talking with nursing facility residents about immunizations (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, RSV, shingles).

This U.S. Spanish tool shows how to measure and improve staff morale with proven strategies and ideas to celebrate and motivate your staff.

Display this U.S. Spanish immunizations infographic in facilities to show how vaccines control, eliminate and eradicate disease.

In this U.S. Spanish question and answer (Q&A) sheet, TMF's Nursing Home team lists some common concerns that people give for not receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine, followed by reasons why being up to date is important.

The COVID-19 vaccine was available to the public so quickly because the research had already started 30 years ago. Here are the facts about mRNA vaccines in U.S. Spanish.

The journey to COVID-19 infection control starts with each one of us. This U.S. Spanish flyer for nursing homes displays all the important prevention methods to encourage in your facility.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect you and your family from getting sick. Nursing facilities can post this U.S. Spanish flyer to educate visitors and families when and how they should wash their hands to stay healthy.

Use this care plan form in U.S. Spanish when talking with nursing facility residents about their COVID-19 vaccination status.

Use this form in U.S. Spanish to keep nursing facility staff up to date with current immunizations recommendations, maintain complete, up-to-date resident records, and maintain and protect your vaccine supplies.

How long are you contagious with flu, COVID-19, pneumonia or RSV? Nursing homes can use this football-themed flyer in U.S. Spanish to promote reasons for fall immunizations.

Promote infection control and prevention among nursing home staff with this U.S. Spanish poster to encourage and recognize Hand Hygiene Heroes.

We know that new variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, will continue to occur. Refer to this fact sheet in U.S. Spanish for fundamental knowledge about COVID-19 variants.

Display this poster in U.S. Spanish about preventing Long COVID and getting up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations in your facility.

What are the risks and symptoms of Long COVID-19? Refer to this infographic in U.S. Spanish for details.

Cut out these U.S. Spanish Badge Buddy infection prevention tips to insert in nursing home staff badge holders. There are vertical and horizontal versions to suit your needs. Also, display your Vaccine Champions and Hand Hygiene Heroes with the trophy logo versions.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a higher incidence of death in the Black population from COVID-19 than the U.S. population as a whole. This flyer in U.S. Spanish also includes information about the vaccine research and benefits.

Protect your grandkids and families this season by getting the updated COVID-19 vaccination.

Nursing facilities can use this TMF template in U.S. Spanish when requested to perform a QII Plan. This template will assist you with performing your root cause analysis and determining what appropriate interventions to implement and monitor.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been used to treat many diseases. Use this Spanish fact sheet by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to learn about mAbs and active versus passive immunity.

This fact sheet in U.S. Spanish details the CDC's June 26, 2023, health advisory about malaria cases detected in Florida and Texas, and that increased international travel over the summer season may increase risk of malaria.

This US Spanish fact sheet outlines the changes that nursing facilities need to know as a result of the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023.

How can you motivate nursing home staff to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations? Here are some proven ideas and best practices in U.S. Spanish to incentivize vaccine champions in your facility.

Did you know that only 26.6% of persons who identify as Hispanic/Latino are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations? This infographic in U.S. Spanish reveals data about how COVID-19 has affected Hispanic/Latino communities.

Maintain infection control precautions in nursing homes with this infographic in U.S. Spanish, which shows proper steps for donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene.

There are four color levels for mask guidance classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on local county COVID-19 transmission rates. Use these signs in U.S. Spanish to show your local county's current transmission rate level and mask guidance.

Use these fun posters in U.S. Spanish around your facility to spread infection control and smiles.

Here are some ideas that nursing facilities have shared recently for engaging residents and their families as they transition into facilities for both short stays and long-term care. (US Spanish)

Tal vez se pregunte si sus síntomas son los de una alergia o los de una infección como el COVID-19.

Esta infografía muestra los datos actuales sobre el COVID-19 de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).

There are four color levels for mask guidance classified by the CDC based on local county COVID-19 transmission rates. Use these signs in Vietnamese to show your local county's current transmission rate level and mask guidance.