The Supreme Court has upheld a CMS rule that requires vaccination of workers employed by facilities funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Private practices are not included in the groups affected by the requirement. However, the employees at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Indian Health Services (HIS), hospitals and those with hospital privileges and who provide care in nursing homes that receive funding from CMS will be impacted by the rule. This is part of the ongoing efforts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to mitigate COVID-19 transmission within health care among staff and patients. The rule was originally issued in November 5, 2021. Click here to read "Supreme Court Upholds CMS Vaccine Requirement".

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shot for everyone age 12 and older to extend the protection offered by the vaccine and strengthen protection against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.  Additionally, they now recommend a third dose of the vaccine for 5-11 year olds who are immunocompromised, noting that kids ages 12-15 who are immunocompromised should receive their third dose of vaccine prior to getting their booster. 

Click here to read the FDA press release on authorization of the booster shot for 12-15 year olds. Click here to read COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens and here to read the media statement from the CDC on the newly authorized booster shot for kids. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot, visit COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change with new rules and recommendations that are based on data emerging on the variants, testing accuracy and availability, and risks of transmission to name a few areas. AAPD encourages members to weigh postings on this site against local information and recommendations to best protect patients and staff and families. 

These selected resources may be helpful keeping on top of the latest:

• Healthcare Workers: Information on COVID-19 | CDC. New guidance related to the omicron variant, including updated isolation and work restriction recommendations, and updated recommendations for healthcare worker shortages.

• Science Brief: Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs – Updated. Information on the current COVID-19 situation impacting children and schools.

• COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines: Special Populations: Children. An overview of COVID-19 infection and treatment options for children and adolescents from the National Institutes for Health.

• NIH COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines: Therapies. A list of therapeutic recommendations for people with COVID-19 infections from the National Institutes for Health.

• A Community Toolkit for Addressing Health Misinformation. Tips on addressing miscommunication within your patient community.

• SARS-CoV-2 Viral Mutations: Impact on COVID-19 Tests. Important information about how testing accuracy has changed with the evolution of the virus.

The application for Phase 4 Provider Relief Funds has now closed and the distribution of payments has begun. Once received, the recipients of the Phase 4 funds have 90 days from the date received to sign the attestation. The reporting for period 4 begins January 1, 2023 and closes March 31, 2023. You can find the deadline to use the funds and a number of useful links here in "Provider Relief Fund General and Targeted Distribution Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements June 11, 2021".

Visit "Current and Future Payments" to find out more about the distribution of funds and your next steps. The American Dental Association (ADA) has also put together a great FAQ of commonly raised questions from dentists about PRF funds, including reporting issues. Their "Frequently Asked Questions: HHS Provider Relief Fund" includes a list of expenses and lost revenues considered for reimbursement. Find out how return unused funds, learn about reporting requirements and find even more frequently asked questions on the HRSA webpage, "Provider Relief Fund Reporting Requirements and Auditing". Don't forget to visit the AAPD COVID-19 Resources for materials on practice management during the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

The deadline for SBA COVID-19 EIDL Loans is approaching, and the Small Business Administration is encouraging all eligible to apply ASAP, especially for the Supplemental Targeted Advance. Applications for the up to $5,000 Supplemental Targeted Advance loan will be processed until the end of day, December 31st and no later so applicants are encouraged to apply by December 10th. Those applying for the up to $10,000 Targeted EIDL Advance and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) have until December 31st. These loans will continue to be processed after that date. Applicants may apply for all three loans if eligible, but should note that “advances” do not have to be repaid while the COVID-19 EIDL is not forgivable. These loans are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To view the COVID-19 EIDL Loan FAQ, click here. Click here to apply.