05.25.2020

Expanded Services, Messaging to Patients, and more

Phase 1 Appears to Go Smoothly; Visitation Issue Remains

The Phase 1 guidelines that the Baker Administration released last Monday allowed hospitals – after meeting bed-capacity and safety goals, and signing an attestation form – to resume offering high-priority preventative services, pediatric care, and treatment for high-risk patients. Community health centers were also covered under the May 18 order; as of today, other healthcare providers who attest to meeting set standards may resume limited in-person services. Also today the state is expected to release updated Phase 1 clarifications for hospitals.

As of last Monday, the state had already met the statewide standards, making hospitals eligible to expand their services. Throughout last week, the phase-in appeared to go relatively smoothly. An unresolved sticking point by week’s end involved visitation rights. Currently, hospitals continue to abide by the emergency order that prohibits all visitors to hospitals. MHA and its membership continued to have discussions with the state about how and when to ease that order. The other ongoing concern of hospitals – one that has never abated – involves sustainable supplies of personal protective equipment and testing supplies.

MHA Launches “Safe. Ready. Here for You.” Campaign

The non-COVID-care restrictions on hospitals have been lifted but that does not mean people will instantly flock back to them. Unfortunately, the people who have been putting off seeking care for chronic conditions or serious illnesses because of their fear of caregiving facilities and COVID-19 are worsening their health. To help allay the fears, MHA has been working with its membership on some simple messages that can be delivered through handouts, social media, and discussions with patients. The overarching message is: "Your hospitals are here for you. Please do not let the fear of exposure to COVID-19 outweigh the need to seek care." Hospitals are also stressing the fact that they’re continuing to segregate COVID-19 patients from non-coronavirus patients and that hospitals safely manage infectious diseases every day. Follow MHA on Facebook and Twitter to see messaging on this and other issues.

Massachusetts State Loan Repayment Program

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is providing a loan repayment program managed by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers for healthcare professionals who commit to working full time or part time for two years in a community health center. Up to $25,000 per year for two years is available. This program is funded through a combination of state and federal funds. Applications must be postmarked no later than June 3, 2020, and sent to: Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, 2020 MLRP, 40 Court Street, 10th floor, Boston, MA 02108. Applications must be mailed via United States Postal Services only. No other forms of mail will be accepted at this time. View the program guide and application.

Flavored Cigarette Ban Begins

Starting next Monday, June 1, menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products such as cigars, flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products, and flavored chewing tobacco will no longer be sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and specific other outlets in Massachusetts. There will be new limitations on where e-cigarette and nicotine vaping products and flavored tobacco products can be sold, and e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products will increase in price. MHA was part of the coalition that pushed for the flavored tobacco ban.

A Vaccine Isn’t a Given, But BIDMC Researcher Offers Hope

Dan Barouch, M.D., director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, received international attention last week for a paper he authored with others in Science outlining his research on a COVID-19 vaccine. Barouch’s team demonstrated that six candidate DNA vaccines induced neutralizing antibody responses and protected against the virus in rhesus monkeys. In a second study, the team found that the monkeys that recovered from COVID-19 developed natural protective immunity against re-infection. Barouch told the newsletter of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, "Our findings increase optimism that the development of COVID-19 vaccines will be possible."

Thank you, Mr. Speaker

House Speaker Robert DeLeo, delivering a virtual address before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce last Thursday, acknowledged the health community for their extraordinary efforts during the pandemic. Said DeLeo, "The healthcare sector in particular has gone above and beyond in ensuring patients are given high-quality and compassionate care during a terrifying time. And I thank the leadership of all of our hospitals, under the leadership especially of Steve Walsh, president of the Mass. Health & Hospital Association.

"These facilities and the healthcare workers they employ deserve our utmost respect and support. We know that the healthcare industry continues to struggle with the influx of patients, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its employees with insufficient access to PPE and medical supplies, and with the limitations on medical practice. We know that to maintain stability within the healthcare industry will be a key piece of the recovery process.

"Our healthcare institutions and universities have not only stepped up in a major way to care for the residents of the commonwealth as the virus has ravaged communities. But they are also on the cutting edge of research and best practices for how to tackle this disease. Massachusetts is still America’s laboratory of ideas. I am confident that somewhere in the labs and workplaces of our region, there are ingenious scientists who will find a key to unlock key treatments, and perhaps a vaccine to fight this virus."

WEBINAR: Creating and Managing a COVID+ Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

During this Mental Health Awareness Month, MHA on May 28 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. is spotlighting how the behavioral healthcare system is adapting to the unique challenges of providing inpatient psychiatric care during a pandemic. Join the team from UMass Memorial Health Care system’s Psychiatric Treatment and Recovery Center (PTRC) to learn about creating, operating, and managing a dedicated COVID+ psychiatric unit. The team will discuss key issues such as: making the decision to become a COVID+ unit, operationalizing the conversion, care and treatment of patients and staff, delivery and management of patient care, and infection control and cohorting potential. As the state begins to transition to a two-tiered system for all psychiatric units, insights and best practices from the PTRC will be beneficial to entities planning to create a COVID+ unit. Register here.

John LoDico, Editor