Long-term care industry advocates joined forces Tuesday in support of a bill delaying paperwork requirements and expanding the uses for Provider Relief Fund dollars. They also urged leaders in Congress to replenish the fund.
Leaders from the AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, the American Seniors Housing Association, Argentum and LeadingAge joined other organizations in a letter to Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) asking for the release of any remaining Provider Relief Funds to operators, as well as supporting the recently introduced Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act. A similar letter was sent to Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).
The legislation, introduced by Shaheen with Collins as a co-sponsor, would delay Provider Relief Fund reporting requirements until after the public health emergency is over and would allow operators to use those dollars to enhance workplace safety.
The bill also would direct the Health Resources and Services Administration to distribute any remaining funds by March 31. The legislation also calls for creating an application process for certain providers to receive funds returned in compliance with previous deadlines.
The organizations also reiterated their ask for Congress to replenish the Provider Relief Fund “as this pandemic and the impact is not over.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply challenged the entire healthcare continuum: the industry is grappling with a historic workforce crisis, financial challenges, and closure of some communities and centers across the country,” the letter reads. “The Provider Relief Fund has been a lifeline for many, and has helped to ensure that our nation’s long-term care services and supports providers can continue to provide the needed care to our nation’s frail, elderly, individuals with disabilities and most vulnerable.”
