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February 10, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
POMA continues to monitor the rapidly changing information surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
In an effort to provide accurate and helpful information to POMA members, we have gathered some of the resources we are finding to be most useful and accurate at this time. We hope this helps you in staying on top of the latest developments in the spread of the disease and in helping your patients.
Stay safe and healthy!
New Headlines
Pennsylvania Expands Efforts to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine
- New Waiver Allows Licensed Volunteers to Administer the COVID-19 Vaccine
Licensed volunteers under the State Board of Medicine, the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and the State Board of Nursing will be able to administer vaccinations in settings that fall outside the definition of "approved clinic," including community-based, primary-care clinics and clinics in medically underserved areas, as well as state and federally qualified health centers. Read more
- Waiver Allows Some Retired Physicians and Nurses to Administer the COVID-19 Vaccine
A temporary suspension of the renewal and reactivation provisions set forth in 63 P.S. §§ 213, 271.3, 422.10 and 422.25 and 49 Pa. Code §§ 16.15, 21.131, 21.156, 25.271, enables physicians and nurses whose Pennsylvania licenses lapsed, expired or were inactive within the last five years to administer COVID-19 vaccines without reactivating or renewing their licenses, provided they meet the specific qualification requirements. Read more
- Waiver Enables Medical Students to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines
Governor Wolf approved a waiver to allow clinical clerks (medical students) licensed under the State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine to assist in administering COVID-19 vaccinations across the Commonwealth, and not just in the hospitals to which they have been assigned. Read more
- New Waiver Allows Qualified Pennsylvania Vaccinators to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine to 16- and 17-Year-Olds
Governor Wolf approved a temporary change in the age restriction set forth in 63 P.S. § 390-9.2 and 49 Pa. Code § 27.403 to persons who are "more than 16 years of age." Read more
- Out-of-State Health Care Providers May Administer COVID-19 Vaccine in Pennsylvania
Governor Wolf approved a request by the Department of State to expand the number of available health care professionals who can administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania. The temporary suspension of certain licensure requirements enables healthcare practitioners from other states to administer COVID-19 vaccines without licensure in the Commonwealth. Read more
- House Approves O’Neal Bill to Use National Guard to Coordinate Vaccination Deployment
The House passed legislation on February 5, 2021 that would have the Pennsylvania National Guard assist with the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the Commonwealth. Read more
Pa. Offers New Tool and Hotline for COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Tuesday launched a new online tool and hotline called "Your Turn" to help people know when they’re eligible for COVID-19 vaccine and help them find a provider. Your Turn also includes a telephone hotline to connect people who lack internet access to the information. It can be reached at 1-877-724-3258, or 1-877-PA-HEALTH. People can use Your Turn to sign up to receive updates on vaccine availability, but the tool does not enable people to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Wrongly Stockpiling COVID-19 Vaccine may Contribute to Pa.’s Poor Ranking, Health Secretary Says
Pennsylvania is working to communicate with vaccine providers to make sure they aren't incorrectly stockpiling doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The state has found in a recent analysis that some vaccine providers are mistakenly and unnecessarily holding back first doses of the vaccine to assure they have the second dose ready to give patients. Acting State Secretary of Health, Alison Beam says this is not necessary as the federal government gives Pennsylvania a separate supply of second doses.
Watch State Secretary of Health's PennLive Interview discussing the issue.
POMA Members Can Receive PPE Discounts
POMA is excited to announce our new partnership with ActionPPE.org to help our members acquire proper PPE supplies. Launched in South Carolina, ActionPPE has supplied over 2.6 million units of PPE to members of over 20 state medical organizations through a reputable and certified supplier. By pooling resources, POMA members receive a 5% discount on PPE orders when they use the discount code POMA-SAVE5. Product details and certificates for masks, gowns, gloves, face shields, etc. are provided on the site with most items in-stock and shipping directly to your office.
PA Health Alert Network (PA HAN) - Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates
Previously Published but Relevant Headlines
POMA Advocates for COVID-19 Vaccine Access
In last month's issue of the POMA Newsletter, POMA President Gene Battistella, DO highlighted POMA's advocacy efforts relating to COVID-19 vaccine access. Below is an excerpt of his column:
"[Since the COVID vaccine rollout plan was published in late December,] POMA has been advocating for our members on the need for vaccines for all. We are aware of the disparities of availability of the vaccine, especially for physicians and groups without ties to health care systems, universities, or other entities. POMA led a group advocating to Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine on behalf of these, and all Pennsylvania physicians. Government officials took note and have made accommodations for these physicians battling the pandemic on the front lines and now have provided a mechanism to obtain these much needed vaccines. Although this is an improvement, vaccine availability is still not available universally to those in need (physicians, patients, and others) and the government’s efforts are still not enough. The POMA is very aware of this fact and have heard from many of our members across the Commonwealth on this matter. We continue to work diligently on behalf of all our members in this regard and each call has been answered and addressed as best possible. My promise to you is that we are, and will, continue to address all matters of importance to our members, especially as we continue to address the matter of vaccine availability."
Philadelphia Launches Online Form for Residents Interested in Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine
Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health has opened its vaccine interest form online, allowing city residents to alert health officials of their desire to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The form, which can be found here, can only be used to indicate interest in getting vaccinated, and it is not a means of scheduling an appointment to get a vaccine. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health will contact those who fill out the form when they become eligible to receive a vaccine.
The health department said it will likely take weeks or months before city residents will be able to schedule appointments to receive a vaccine. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said Tuesday that the city continues to receive limited doses of both available COVID-19 vaccines, which limits the number of people to whom the city can distribute the vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Map
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has launched a provider map along with an eligibility survey on its website to help those eligible, including health care workers not affiliated with a hospital, find a location to schedule a vaccine appointment.
Users can search by location, type in an address or zip code and filter by facility type.
COVID-19 Vaccine Codes
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID‑19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for individuals 18 years of age and older.
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Medicare will cover and pay for the administration of the vaccine (when furnished consistent with the EUA). Review the updated payment and HCPCS Level I CPT code structure for specific COVID-19 vaccine information. Only bill for the vaccine administration codes when you submit claims to Medicare; don’t include the vaccine product codes when the vaccines are free.
DOH Encourages Contact Tracing Participation
Michael Huff, director of testing and contact tracing for Pennsylvania, is emphasizing the need to prioritize case investigations and for those who test positive to participate in contact tracing - two key public health activities that occur when a case of COVID-19 is identified. With 34,000 positive cases reported in the past seven days, contact tracing has become even more critical to identifying those who may have been exposed to the virus. The Department of Health is utilizing the CDC's case investigation prioritization recommendations, which were revised on November 23.
Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to download the free COVID Alert PA App.
Updated Pennsylvania Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Cases, Graphics, Resources
Briefings and Updates from Pa. Governor Wolf and the Department of Health
Resources from the CDC
The CDC has provided guidance and resources for healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, laboratories, as well as information for schools and childcare, businesses and employers, community and faith-based organizations, and the general public. Visit the CDC COVID-19 webpage for more information.
POMA will continue monitoring COVID-19 and provide updates and recommendations from PA-DOH, the CDC, the WHO and local health agencies. POMA's COVID-19 webpage and social media channels will be updated as information is shared from these organizations.
If you have any comments or questions for POMA, please email us at [email protected].
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