Weekly Update

 

August 3, 2026

1. Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee: Fire Drill Program has been added to our Maintenance Director Training Course – per Meghan Medvitz email, July 22nd

 

A new Module 8: Fire Drill Program has been added to our Maintenance Director Training!

 

Current registrants can log into your account here and access the new module by navigating to your “Dashboard” then select “My saved work” then click on the Maintenance Director Training, scroll down to Module 8: Fire Drill Program.

 

Should you have any questions regarding the new module or resources, please email EmergencyPrep@ahca.org. Email educate@ahca.org for technical issues on the site.

 

 

2. CMS Updates Surveyor Guidance for Home Health Agencies: New Acceptance-to-Service Tags and an Administrator Clarification – per Alliance for Care at Home, July 23rd

 

On July 15, 2026, CMS released memorandum QSO-26-13-HHA, updating Appendix B of the State Operations Manual (SOM), Guidance to Surveyors: Home Health Agencies. The memo puts interpretive guidance and survey tags behind the acceptance-to-service Condition of Participation (CoP) standard that took effect on January 1, 2025, and adds a long-requested clarification to the administrator qualification standard. The guidance is effective immediately, so agencies should treat survey readiness on these points as a current priority rather than a future one. Learn more

 

 

3. Upcoming Alliance Education – per Alliance for Care at Home, July 23rd

 

August 27: Let Your Light Shine: Finding Success in CMS Medical Record Reviews and Audits

 

 

4. Air Quality Emerging As Strategic Lever For Long-Term Care Facilities To Improve Cost Structure, Staffing Stability, Expert Says – per Provider Daily, July 24th

 

Writing for Provider Magazine (7/22), Pyure Company CEO Mahyar Khosravi says, “Air quality is emerging as a strategic lever for” long-term care facilities “to potentially improve their cost structure and staffing stability,” with one recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association showing “facilities can reduce infection incidence by nearly 50 percent through an approach known as continuous active air disinfection.” Khosravi adds, “Administrators owe it to their facility’s patients and staff to start a conversation about this promising new direction for infectious disease control in LTC settings.”  Read More

 

 

5. CISA Region 8 | Outreach, Training & Exercise Announcements – per Crystalynn Kuntz email, July 24th

 

INSIDER THREAT MITIGATION WEBINAR

CISA Region 8 is hosting an Insider Threat Mitigation Webinar to learn how to implement a proactive, prevention-focused mitigation program to detect and identify threats, assess risk, and manage the risk, all before an incident occurs. Reference the attached flyer for additional details.

 

Event Information (You will need to email Central@cisa.gov for access to this webinar)

  • Date: August 18, 2026
  • Time: 9 am MST

Workshop Course Documents:  Insider Threat Mitigation Webinar

 

 

ACTIVE SHOOTER PREPAREDNESS WEBINARS

This awareness-level training provides tips to develop or enhance planning efforts to prepare for and respond to an active threat. Reference the attached flyer for additional details.

 

Event Information

  • 06 Aug 2026 1:00pm ET
  • 12 Aug 2026 10:00am ET
  • 13 Aug 2026 10:00am ET

Register: Active Shooter Preparedness Webinars

 

 

6. [UPDATED] CMS Updating Nursing Home Inspections with Risk-Based Survey Model – per Skilled Nursing News, July 24th

 

CMS is launching a new risk-based survey process to “modernize” nursing home oversight by focusing inspection resources where they are most needed while recognizing high-performing facilities.  Read More

 

 

7. Over 25% of Nursing Homes Reported a Serious Deficiency in 2026, With 5% Linked to IJs, Actual Harm – per Skilled Nursing News, July 24th

 

More than a fourth of nursing homes nationally reported at least one serious deficiency, with 5% of the deficiencies cited in the last survey cycle rising to the level of actual harm or IJ posed to residents.  Read More

 

 

8. FDA MedWatch – Cefazolin in Dextrose Injection USP, 2 g/100mL (20 mg /mL) Single-Dose Infusion Bag in 100 mL By Baxter – per Dawn Lehrmann email, July 27th

 

ISSUE: Baxter is recalling Lot LD175708, Exp 14-Feb 2027 of Cefazolin in Dextrose Injection due to a report of particulate matter found in the solution identified as cardboard.

 

Risk Statement: The use of the defective product has a reasonable probability of causing pulmonary emboli (blockage in pulmonary blood vessels), occlusions of other blood vessels (which can lead to tissue death and possible organ damage), and/or phlebitis (inflammation of the walls of veins, which may lead to clotting). Systemically, foreign particles infused intravenously can cause systemic activation of the immune system, organ dysfunction, and hemolysis (breakdown of blood cells).

 

To date, Baxter has not received any reports of adverse events related to this issue.

 

The impacted product was distributed from 3/25/2025 to 6/30/2025 in the United States.

 

For more information about this recall, click on the red button “Read Recall” below.

 

BACKGROUND: The product being recalled is used intravenously to treat bacterial infections or prevent them during surgery.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Customers should immediately discontinue use of and return all affected units in accordance with their facility’s process. Baxter is contacting customers with instructions on how to identify and return the impacted product.

 

For general questions regarding this communication, please contact Baxter Healthcare Center for Service at 888-229-0001.

 

Health care professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

 

  • Complete and submit the report online
  • Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

 

 

9. Partner Alert: Brief Updates from CDC’s Emergency Response Activities and Other Information for Your Situational Awareness – per July Sickler, July 27th

 

Ebola Updates (Please check the website as the situation is rapidly evolving.)

 

  • Ebola Disease: Current Situation | Ebola | CDC ─ As of July 25, there are reports of 3,200 confirmed cases and 1,405 confirmed deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Investigation of additional cases is ongoing, and case counts are expected to change. The DRC Ministry of Health does not include probable cases in their official reporting. As of July 21, there are 20 confirmed cases and two confirmed deaths in Uganda. There is also one probable case and one probable death. In France, as of June 24, there is one confirmed case. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and case counts are subject to change.

 

 

To reduce the risk of Ebola importation into the United States, U.S. entry for travelers who were recently in the DRC is temporarily restricted. Travelers, including Americans, who have been in DRC within 21 days of their flight will not be allowed to board commercial flights with U.S. destinations. All U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been in the DRC should plan to remain outside DRC for 21 days before entering the United States.

 

U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals who have been present in Uganda or South Sudan (and not present in DRC) within 21 days of arrival in the United States must only enter through designated airports for enhanced screening. Please review the CDC’s information on what travelers need to know about returning to the United States from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan for the list of designated airports and for health information about Ebola.

 

 

More information for travelers

 

Americans who need consular assistance can visit Additional Consular Information for Americans Regarding the Ebola Outbreak or call the Department of State:

 

  • +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad)
  • +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada

 

  • Partner Situational Awareness Report 7.23 (view attachment) ─ This report includes updated information on the 2026 Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak as well as CDC’s domestic preparedness activities.

 

 

Measles Updates

 

  • Measles Cases and Outbreaks | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC ─ As of July 23, a total of 2,318 cases of measles have been reported in the United States in 2026, an increase of 58 measles cases since July 16. These measles cases were reported to CDC by 45 jurisdictions, and 16 cases were reported among international travelers to the United States. There have been 35 new outbreaks reported in 2026. Out of 2,318 confirmed cases, 93% are outbreak associated. Ninety three percent of cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, and 7% have been hospitalized.

 

  • The number of confirmed cases measles in the United States for this year officially surpasses the number of measles cases reported during the entire year of 2025 (2,289).

 

  • CDC continues to surge resources to support response efforts and continues to provide technical assistance, clinical and laboratory support, and vaccines upon request. Available CDC tools and resources:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New World Screwworm (NWS) Updates

 

  • Confirmed Detections of New World Screwworm | APHIS ─ The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service maintains an updated dashboard tracking confirmed animal cases of NWS across the United States. The webpage provides current information on affected areas and species, helping partners maintain situational awareness.

 

 

  • CSTE Standardized Surveillance Case Definition for Human NWS Myiasis ─ This case definition establishes uniform national criteria for case ascertainment and case classification of human NWS myiasis to strengthen public health surveillance. CDC and the Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) will collaborate to implement human NWS myiasis standardized surveillance.

 

  • NWS Key Messages 07.21 (view attachment) ─ This document provides updated, cleared language about NWS, the current outbreak, and CDC’s role in the federal outbreak response. Information in this document is intended to be used as the basis for CDC communications and may be shared with partners or the public. Messaging will be updated weekly until further notice.

 

 

Cyclosporiasis Updates

 

  • Surveillance of Cyclosporiasis | Cyclosporiasis | CDC ─ Since May 1, 2026, CDC has received reports of 4,173 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis and is aware of more than 7,400 additional cases that are not yet laboratory confirmed and require further investigation and analysis. Many of the additional cases have been reported by Michigan and Ohio. CDC’s surveillance updates do not include probable cases which may contribute to observed differences between state and federal counts. CDC is working closely with states to update numbers as additional cases are confirmed.

 

  • Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce in 9 States | Cyclosporiasis | CDC ─ Find up‑to‑date information on the July 2026 multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce, including case counts, affected states, hospitalizations, and recall details. The page also offers guidance for the public, clinicians, and health departments on prevention, symptoms, testing, and steps to support the outbreak investigation.

 

 

 

 

 

Other Updates

 

  • CDC Rabies Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Laboratory Testing Status ─ Two human diagnostic tests for rabies are available after a temporary pause. One test, the polymerase chain reaction, detects the presence of rabies virus. The other test, the direct fluorescent antibody test, detects rabies antigen. CDC scientists have completed the necessary corrective actions to get these tests back online, upholding CDC’s commitment to high quality laboratory testing.

 

Two rabies antibody tests, the Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test and Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay are in the final stages of reinstation and will also be available soon.

 

These four tests are all listed under the test code for Rabies Antemortem Human Tests. Please reach out to rabies@cdc.gov and rabieslaboratory@cdc.gov for a consultation if rabies human antemortem testing may be needed.

 

  • CDC Poxvirus CLIA Laboratory Testing Status ─ Several poxvirus tests are still affected by CDC’s temporary pause. Now that the rabies tests are being reinstated, CDC scientists are focused on resuming prioritized poxvirus testing by ensuring all quality management requirements are met.

 

  • ASPR Releases Five-Year Plan to Strengthen Medical Countermeasure Preparedness | ASPR ─ On July 15, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) released the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Multiyear Budget for fiscal years 2025–2029, outlining the resources needed to strengthen the nation’s medical countermeasure preparedness. The multiyear budget highlights the investments needed across four U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies – ASPR, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and CDC, to prepare for a wide range of threats, from pandemics and antimicrobial resistance to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents. The total estimated funding need is $66.9 billion over five years.

 

 

10. CMS Care Compare Update To Feature New Quality Measure Thresholds – per Provider Daily, July 28th

 

According to McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (7/27, Marselas, Berklan), when CMS “refreshes its nursing home Care Compare site Wednesday, many providers may find that their overall Quality Measure ratings have slipped – despite no change in performance.” The agency “announced it was upping its Quality Measure thresholds, requiring more points to achieve two through five stars compared to standards that have been in place since January 2025.” Read More

 

 

11. Lock It. Label It. Store It Right. – per The Compliance Store, July 28th

 

Proper medication labeling and storage are essential components of resident safety and effective medication management. During surveys, deficiencies related to improperly labeled medications, expired products, or inappropriate storage conditions are frequently identified because they increase the risk of medication errors and may compromise medication integrity.

 

Under F-761, in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual, facilities must ensure that medications and biologicals are labeled appropriately, stored in locked compartments under appropriate environmental controls, and accessible only to authorized personnel. Internal and external medication should be stored separately. Multi-dose vials and insulin should be dated upon opening and discarded within the manufacturer’s or facility’s designated timeframe. All medications must remain clearly labeled and readily identifiable. Refrigerated medications should be maintained within the required temperature range, with temperatures monitored and documented consistently.

 

All medications must be secured in locked storage areas with access limited to authorized personnel. Schedule II-V controlled substances must be stored in separately locked, permanently affixed compartments. Facilities must also maintain appropriate environmental controls to protect medications from excessive light, temperature fluctuations, and humidity that could affect their potency or stability.

 

Routine medication room inspections are an effective way to identify potential issues before they result in survey deficiencies. Staff should regularly inspect for damaged packaging, illegible or altered labels, unsecured medication carts, or expired medications, whether in current use or in storage. Facilities should also verify that emergency medications, controlled substances, and resident-specific medications are stored and secured in accordance with regulatory requirements and facility policy.

 

By incorporating medication labeling and storage audits into daily operations and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, facilities can strengthen medication safety, reduce survey risk, and help ensure residents receive medications that are safe, effective and properly managed.

 

 

12. North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory strengthens statewide access to mental health and substance use disorder support – per Dawn Lehrmann email, July 28th

 

View this release online: hhs.nd.gov

 

Bismarck, ND (July 28, 2026) – North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that residents can now search for mental health and substance use disorder programs in one place through the newly broadened Behavioral Health Program Directory.

 

Previously known as the North Dakota Mental Health Program Directory, the newly named North Dakota Behavioral Health Program Directory helps North Dakotans easily locate and access behavioral health services across the state. The update is another step in the state’s ongoing efforts to improve coordination and accessibility of behavioral health services.

 

The expanded directory allows users to search for mental health and substance use programs by location, specialties, telehealth options, insurance accepted, translation services and more. The directory is available at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/directory.

 

“No one should have to struggle to find help when they need it most,” said HHS Behavioral Health Clinical Policy Director Shauna Eberhardt. “This unified directory puts comprehensive mental health and addiction resources right at people’s fingertips, making support far easier to reach for individuals and families across our state.”

 

Nearly 300 behavioral health programs are currently registered in the directory. Behavioral health programs, including substance use disorder programs, are required to register through hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/program-registry.

 

Individuals and behavioral health programs with questions are encouraged to email programregistry@nd.gov or call Behavioral Health at 701-328-8920 or 711 (TTY).

 

The directory initiative stems from Senate Bill 2161, passed during the 2021 legislative session, which authorized HHS to develop and administer a statewide mental health program registry and requires programs to provide information at least annually. Stakeholder feedback later led HHS to expand the directory to include substance use disorder programs and additional search features to better meet the needs of North Dakota communities.

 

 

Resources are available

 

With the launch of the revised directory, HHS reminds North Dakotans that help is available for individuals experiencing a behavioral health concern.

 

A comprehensive collection of behavioral health resources and initiatives, including information about recovery services available through private providers and HHS’ eight regional behavioral health clinics can be found at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/find-services.

 

North Dakotans can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 211 if they are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Both numbers are answered 24 hours a day by FirstLink.

 

 

13. AHCA/NCAL Member Discounted Rates on AAPACN’s Prestigious QAPI Certified Professional Program – per AHCA/NCAL email, July 29th

 

AHCA/NCAL offers members the opportunity to become a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Certified Professional through a partnership with American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing. Read More

 

 

14. Higher Air Quality Brings Better Financial Performance – per AHCA/NCAL email, July 29th

 

Continuous air disinfection is now a practical tool that can reduce the medical, operational, and financial burdens of airborne infections in LTC facilities. Read More

 

 

15. RHTP funding opportunities:  North Dakota launches new round of Rural Health Transformation funding opportunities – per Dawn Lehrmann email, July 29th

 

News: For Immediate Release 

 

News Release Headline

View this release online: hhs.nd.gov

 

Bismarck, ND (July 29, 2026) –

 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a new wave of funding opportunities totaling approximately $50.5 million through the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), with several applications now open and additional opportunities to be released over the coming days. Together, they represent another major step in implementing the state’s nearly $200 million in Year 1 Rural Health Transformation Program funding to strengthen rural healthcare.

 

The funding opportunities support projects that improve access to care, strengthen the rural healthcare workforce, promote healthier communities and expand the use of innovative technology across North Dakota. Together, they span all four strategic initiatives of the North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program, offering funding for schools, hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies and community organizations.

 

“Every community faces different challenges, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to improving rural health,” said HHS Commissioner Pat Traynor. “These funding opportunities give communities the flexibility to invest in what they need most, whether that’s supporting healthcare workers, improving access to care, promoting healthier lifestyles or using technology in new ways. Together, they’re helping build a stronger, healthier North Dakota.”

 

 

Funding opportunities currently accepting applications:

 

Make North Dakota Healthy Again: 

Hospital-based Wellness Equipment

  • Supports wellness equipment that helps critical access hospitals, including non-federally operated Indian Health Service facilities and tribally run 638 health facilities, improve employee well-being, strengthen workforce retention and create healthier workplaces for healthcare staff
  • Approximately $500,000 in federal funding; 10 grants of about $50,000 each anticipated
  • Due July 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

 

Strengthen and Stabilize Rural Health Workforce

Childcare for the Rural Health Workforce

  • Supports planning for sustainable childcare solutions that help rural hospitals recruit, retain and support healthcare professionals
  • Approximately $3 million in federal funding; 38 planning grants of about $78,000 each anticipated
  • Due Aug. 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

Technology as an Extender

  • Supports technology that helps rural healthcare providers reduce reliance on in-person staff and strengthen the healthcare workforce
  • Approximately $5 million in federal funding; 20 grants averaging about $250,000 each anticipated
  • Due Aug. 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

 

Bring High-Quality Healthcare Closer to Home

Clinics Without Walls: Telehealth Infrastructure

  • Supports telehealth infrastructure that brings primary care, behavioral health and specialty services closer to home for rural and tribal communities
  • $3.6 million in federal funding; 25 grants of about $144,000 each anticipated.
  • Due Aug. 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT

 

Clinics Without Walls: Remote Patient Monitoring

  • Supports remote patient monitoring technology that helps rural healthcare providers improve care coordination, manage chronic conditions and expand access to care from home
  • Approximately $1.6 million in federal funding; up to 20 grants averaging about $80,000 each anticipated
  • Due Aug. 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT

 

Rural Ambulance Equipment and Upgrades

  • Supports equipment and technology upgrades that strengthen rural ambulance services, improve emergency response and enhance patient care closer to home
  • Approximately $22 million in federal funding; 110 grants of about $200,000 each anticipated
  • Due Aug. 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT

 

 

Connecting Technology, Data and Providers for a Stronger ND

Self-Serve Dispensing Kiosks in Pharmacies

  • Supports automated prescription pickup kiosks that expand medication access beyond traditional pharmacy hours for rural communities
  • One award for approximately $600,000 in federal funding; Depending on the applications received and available funding, HHS may issue additional awards of similar amounts
  • Due July 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Innovation

  • Supports implementation of artificial intelligence solutions that improve patient access, strengthen care coordination and support better health outcomes
  • Approximately $1 million in federal funding; 5 grants of about $200,000 each anticipated
  • Due July 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

Electronic Medical Record Enhancement

  • Supports enhancements to existing electronic medical record systems that improve care coordination, interoperability and healthcare delivery for rural patients
  • Approximately $10 million in federal funding; 20 awards of approximately $500,000 each anticipated
  • Due July 29, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT

 

 

Funding opportunities expected to be released over the coming days:

 

Bring High-Quality Healthcare Closer to Home

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Acquisition

  • Supports the purchase of accessible transportation vehicles to help rural residents, including Medicaid members, get to non-emergency medical appointments and improve access to care
  • Approximately $2 million in federal funding; four grants averaging about $500,000 each anticipated
  • Anticipated release date: To be determined

 

Eligible applicants may apply for more than one funding opportunity. Additional information, eligibility requirements, application materials and future funding opportunities are available at http://hhs.nd.gov/rural-health-transformation.

 

The North Dakota Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare

assistance award totaling $198,936,969.55, with 100% funded by CMS. The contents are those of North Dakota Health and Human Services and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CMS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. government.

 

 

16. CDC Radiation Hazard Scale – per Juli Sickler email, July 30th

 

New CDC Resource: An Introductory Guide to the CDC Radiation Hazard Scale

 

CDC has published An Introductory Guide to the CDC Radiation Hazard Scale, a new resource to help public health professionals, emergency preparedness planners, emergency responders, and health communicators use the CDC Radiation Hazard Scale before and during radiation emergencies. This guide describes how the scale was developed, explains the five color-coded hazard categories, provides guidance for assigning hazard levels, and includes examples of applying the scale during radiological and nuclear incidents.

 

By supporting clear, easy-to-understand communication, the scale can help people better understand the level of radiation hazard in their immediate surroundings. Public health and emergency preparedness organizations are encouraged to use the guide and incorporate the CDC Radiation Hazard Scale into their preparedness plans.

 

Read about the Radiation Hazard Scale here

 

 

17. Correction for Convenience Kits Containing Spectra Medical Device Lidocaine Ampules – per Dawn Lehrmann email, July 30th

 

The FDA is aware that Argon Medical has issued a letter to affected customers recommending certain convenience kits be corrected prior to continued use by removing components affected by the Huons Co., Ltd. recall.

 

Argon Medical is issuing a recall for specific Argon Medical kits containing Spectra Medical Device, Inc. pain management kits with Huons lidocaine HCL Injection.

 

Huons Co., Ltd. initiated a recall of Bupivacaine HCL in Dextrose Injection, USP. Risks of using compromised injectables include infection, inflammatory response and/or reduced anesthetic effectiveness. When used in the neuraxial space, there is a risk of cerebral fluid contamination and meningitis that may progress to encephalitis and emergency conversion to general anesthesia.

 

As of June 1, Argon Medical has reported 2 serious injuries and no deaths associated with this issue.  Read More