COVID-19 FAQ 2 – National Association for Home Care & Hospice

Testimonials

Through the HHFMA Mentorship program I have had several formal and informal conversations with my assigned mentor. This has provided the opportunity to evaluate and achieve my career goals within the industry – like being appointed to the HHFMA Workgroup. The knowledge I have gained since joining the industry has been extensive and the HHFMA Mentorship program has played a major role in my career development. I will continue to contribute to the success of this initiative, including becoming a mentor myself.
RJ Gagnon, CFO, Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice
When I first became a homecare executive, my predecessor and first home health & hospice mentor advised me to join HHFMA. “And never miss the Finance conference!” It was fantastic advice. The HHFMA has been a great source of current information over my career, and its mentoring program was a terrific additional benefit. I was fortunate to be assigned a wonderful mentor, Marcylle Combs. She answered my questions, introduced me to others, and helped me navigate all the resources available to members through NAHC and the HHFMA. I’ve also really enjoyed mentoring others over the years. If you are new to the HHFMA, a mentor can help you optimize your membership. If you are experienced, serving as a mentor is a wonderful way to give back to the homecare and hospice community.
Carolyn Flietstra BSN RN, Executive Vice President (Retired), Christian Living Services
One of the most significant benefits of joining a professional organization, like NAHC, is the opportunity it provides to either be a mentor or to find one. As a previous “mentoree,” I am a huge advocate for the NAHC Mentorship program. I was blessed to gain Carolyn Fleistra as a mentor. Carolyn offered me the ability to learn the industry and association from someone who had worked in the industry at the executive level for years and someone who had been involved in the organization at a high level. She shared her experiences, shared tips, ensured I knew where to be, and above all, gave me a sense of belonging. I highly encourage anyone to seek mentorship
Summer Napier, President, Healing Hands Healthcare, LLC
The HHFMA Mentorship program has provided me with a great professional relationship with someone outside of my own organization. My mentor has been a great sounding board and someone I can reach out to as for insight and guidance related to professional development, speaking opportunities, educational resources and especially career aspirations. We often work together to discuss both financial and regulatory changes that will impact the home health and/or hospice industries. I cannot stress enough the value I have received being in the HHFMA Mentorship program and plan to become a mentor myself.
Mike Simione, Director of Cost Reports, SimiTree Healthcare Consulting

Issue: Home Health Care in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Similar Facilities (added 3/20)

Question: ALFs and similar facilities are denying us access to care for our patients. What can we do?

Answer: The federal government does not regulate ALFs, personal care homes and the like. States may have issued guidance to these facilities to restrict all visitors. In such cases, we recommend working with the facility to explain that home health care staff are not visitors but are health care providers. Home health care staff should utilize PPE properly and pass any facility screenings before entering these facilities. It may be helpful to share the CMS guidance to nursing homes which can be found in the link below. Even though these facilities are not nursing homes, they may consider CMS guidance to nursing homes in a memo dated March 13, 2020 and guidance published in another recently released memo.

If home health providers are not successful in getting facility access granted, it may be helpful to speak with the local and state officials regarding the prohibition.

Home health agencies may also be able to revise the home health plan of care for fewer visits, if appropriate.

For questions about telehealth visits, please see guidance here and here.

Issue: Home Health Care in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Similar Facilities (added 3/20)

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