COVID-19 Resources
PACSTX is regularly in communication with HHSC, sending up-dates to providers, and hosting provider calls. To access this information or to become a member, please reach out to Sandy at sandy@pacstx.org
Below are key resources for providers. Updated 3/30/21
HCS Resources
- HCS COVID-19 Response Emergency Rules and Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rule – March 2021
- PL 2021-09 – Expanded Visitation & COVID Response – (Replaced PL 2040 & PL 2022) – March 2021
- HCS Emergency Rules – Extended absences
- Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers – February 2021
- COVID-19 RESPONSE for HCS Residential Providers – Updated Oct 2
- IL2020-42 Residential Services During COVID-19 (Related to Retainer Payments).
- PL 2020-57 Guidance on SSLC Transition Visits
- Older rules/PL (now replaced/updated above):
HCS & ICF Resources
- PL 20-21 Suspension of Certain LTCR Requirements due to COVID-19 Outbreak
- Infection Control Basics & PPE for Essential Caregivers (meets requirements for training essential caregivers for HCS and ICF)
- Helping People w/ IDD Prevent the Spread of COVID
- PL 20-49 Process to Request Free COVID-19 Point of Care Antigen Test Kits
- Attestation Form for Free Binax COVID-19 Point of Care Antigen Tests
- COVID Long-term Care Infection Data
- DSHS Day Habilitation Checklist
ICF Resources
- ICF/IID COVID-19 Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rule — March 2021
- ICF/IID COVID-19 Emergency Rule – Infection Control, Etc
- ICF/IID Provider COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting Rule
- COVID-19 Response for ICF/IIDs – Updated January 2021
- FAQs for ICF/IIDs about COVID-19 – Updated January 2021
- Provider Letter 2021-10, COVID-19 Response – Expansion of Reopening Visitation (Replaces PL20-43) – March 2021
- PL 20-53 Guidance for Activities, Dining and Volunteers During Holidays
- PL 20-37 COVID-19 Positive Cases Provider Reporting Requirements – ICF begins on page 6
- PL 20-43 ICF Extended Leave – Service Recipients Must Return or Discharge
- PL 20-18 Guidance on COVID-19 Response in ICF (includes infection control requirements not in rule)
- CMS Blanket Waivers
- CMS COVID-19 Guidance for Infection Control FAQs – December 17th
- Emergency rule authorizing payment for COVID-19 therapeutic leave (PDF)(link is external)(see page 2) effective Jan. 29, 2021.
- IL 2021-05 Payments for Leave Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
- Older Rules/PLs (now replaced or updated)
Vaccine Special Interest
- Texas COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations map
- DSHS: Check here to see if you are enrolled for COVID-19 Vaccines
- DSHS: Become a COVID-19 Vaccinator
- Federal Pharmacy Partnership Resources
- CDC: COVID-19 Vaccine & Allergic Reactions
- CDC: Post Vaccine Considerations for Healthcare Personnel
- FDA: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients & Caregivers
- EEOC: Article: EEOC Publishes Guidance on Employer Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
- ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network): a new plain language and Easy Read fact sheet about the COVID-19 vaccine that some of the people you support might find helpful.
Governor’s Office
- Governor’s orders
- Executive Order No. GA-30 – Limits group activities to 10 or fewer people
DSHS
- GA-32 & Trauma Service Areas w/ 15% hospital capacity used for COVID patients
- DSHS Day Habilitation Checklist
CDC
- Quarantine Guidance
- Staff Return to Work Guidance
- Hand Hygiene
- Using PPE
- Guidance for Group Homes for Individuals with Disabilities
- Guidance for Direct Service Providers
- Guidance for Direct Service Providers, Caregivers, Parents, and People with Developmental and Behavioral Disorder
EPA
HHS
ICF Webinars
- January 25th COVID-19 Q&A (PDF)
- January 11, 2021 COVID-19 Q&A (PDF).
- December 28th – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
- December 14, 2020 ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar (PDF)
- November 30th – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
- November 16th – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
- November 2nd – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
- October 19th – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
- October 5th – ICF COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Slides
HCS COVID-19 Webinar Recordings
- September 29 COVID-19 Response Plan and Emergency Rules Webinar
- September 3, 2020, HCS and TxHmL Provider Responsibilities: Death Notifications and Provider Investigation Reports Webinar
- August 13, 2020, LTCR COVID-19 Updates for HCS and TxHmL Providers
HCS Non-COVID Webinars – Administrative Penalty Preparation Webinars
- Jan. 28, 2021 Certification Principle: Comprehensive Nursing Assessment
- Jan. 26, 2021 Certification Principle 9.172: Mission, Development and Philosophy of HCS Program Operations/Top 10 Deficiencies for HCS and TxHmL
- Jan. 7, 2021 HCS and TxHmL Administrative Penalties and Amelioration
- Jan. 5, 2021, HCS and TxHmL Changes to Survey Process and Hold Harmless Period Overview
- December 17, 2020, Certification Principles: Service Delivery
- December 15, 2020, Certification Principles: Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
- December 10, 2020, Certification Principles: Rights of Individuals webinar
- December 3, 2020, Certification Principles: Quality Assurance webinar
- November 19, 2020, Certification Principles: Restraints and Prohibitions webinar
- November 12, 2020, Certification Principles: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements
- October 27, 2020, Comprehensive Nursing Assessment
- October 22, 2020, HCS and TxHmL Provider Certification Principles: Mission, Development and Philosophy of HCS Program Operations webinar
- October 15, 2020, HCS and TxHmL Provider Administrative Penalties Webinar