Vermont Update: 4/27/20

Below is a round-up of state action on COVID-19 since the last newsletter:

The VNAs of Vermont has developed an issue brief for members on unemployment insurance and paid family leave, available on our updated COVID-19 Resource Page.

Over the past two weeks, the health department has released several health alerts:

• New guidance on using and requesting PPE.
• Sector-specific PPE guidance for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive patients and asymptomatic patients with no known exposure.
• New requirements for death certificates. The guidance is ambiguous for hospice services because it only references hospice “facilities” although it appears that it would be appropriate for all hospice. The VNAs of Vermont have requested clarification.

DVHA has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Page with information about provider relief and reimbursement for telehealth.

The Senate is considering a proposal to provide incentive pay to essential workers including home health and hospice agency staff. The VNAs of Vermont support this effort. New Hampshire has adopted an incentive pay package for essential workers under an executive order.