Catch up on the latest notices DSS issued in the last month.

• Updated CDC COVID-19 Guidance
• DSS receives second IPC grant
• Upcoming updates to the agency’s licensing fee payment system allowing for online payments
• 2022 Flu Season Preparedness

Since CMS updated the COVID-19-related guidelines for infection prevention and control in late September, DSS issued a memo on October 26 changing the recommendations for assisted living facilities.

The memo addresses:

• recommendations for ALFs that directly provide healthcare-related services, or those residents who receive contracted healthcare services;
• recommendation for ALFs that do not provide any type of healthcare-related service and provide only non-skilled personal care (i.e., bathing, dressing) similar to that provided by family members in the home;
• screening and visitation; and
• additional infection prevention and control recommendations.

2. DSS receives second IPC grant to provide essential infection prevention and control support to licensed adult care facilities.
   • With the grant, DSS will support ALFs that receive auxiliary grant funding, those who provide care to underserved populations, and all adult day care centers with infection control practices.

3. DSS has proposed changes to the Standards for Fee Requirements for Processing Applications to allow licensed programs to pay fees by submitting a check or using an online payment system.
   • The agency is accepting comments on the changes through November 23, 2022.
   • These fast-track changes become effective December 8, 2022 unless feedback received in public comment requests that a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action be initiated.

4. The 2022 Flu Season Preparedness Alert provides information on the anticipated 2022 flu season and advocates for readiness in infection prevention and control efforts.
   • The memo includes vaccination recommendations, tips on what facilities can do to be prepared, and information on the availability of onsite assessment visits by the IPC Team