COVID-19
PCM Policies, Protocols & Testing Materials
- Guidance: COVID-19 Mitigation Prevention Plan for New Admissions (Updated August 13, 2020)
- PCM Policy: Pandemic Influenza Plan (Updated April 8, 2020)
- PCM Policy: Infectious Disease Prevention and Control
- PCM Memo: Masking of Medical Staff April 3, 2020
- PCM Memo: Reuse of N95 & Surgical Masks April 1, 2020
- PCM Memo: Guidelines for Handling Patients with COVID-19
- PCM Memo: COVID-19 Collection Swab Differences
- PCM Memo: Antipyretic Medication Usage
- Flow Sheet: When to Test for COVID-19
- Memo of Procedure: Protocol for Inmate Transfers From a County Correctional Facility to a PA DOC or Other County Facility (Issued May 13, 2020)
- STAFF UPDATE: April 9, 2020
Testing Forms, Guidelines, and Related Information
- *NEW BinaxNOWTM COVID-19 Ag Card Product Expiry Update (Released May 2021)
- Manufacturer testing has been completed to support a shelf-life (expiration date) of up to 12 months! Please review the above letter from Abbott with further information regarding the extended expiration date for this product, including the lot numbers affected and the updated expirations.
- Instructional Video: How to Obtain a Nasopharyngeal Swab Specimen Instructional Video from the New England Journal of Medicine
- *IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM BIOREFERENCE* (See here)
- Specimen samples submitted for testing must be at least 3 mL of universal or viral transport media (UTM/VTM), Roche cobas® PCR Media, liquid aimes media, or saline.
- Volumes lower than 3 mL increase the risk of Invalid results or Quantity Not Sufficient (QNS).
- For vials that contain less than 3 mL of media (e.g. e-Swabs), you will need to add normal saline to bring the media volume to 3 mL in the vial before sending in for testing.
- Submitting samples with a volume of less than 3 mLs is causing a major issue in the lab, and resulting in a significant backlog in testing. PLEASE be mindful of this volume requirement.
- Lab Requisition for Staff Testing Form (*updated 4/2/2020) *copy of completed form must be faxed to Jen Mroz, PA-C at (717) 651-1853.
- COVID-19 Specimen Collection Guidelines – Guidance from BioReference for “Authorized Alternate Collection Options Due to Critical Shortages of Transport Media and Swabs”
- Informational Booklet from BioReference
- COVID-19 FAQ from BioReference
- Consent Forms:
*completed consent forms must be scanned and emailed to COVID email group (covid@primecaremedical.com)
Resuming Non-Emergent Dental Services
- COVID-19 Pandemic – Patient Disclosures Form (May 13, 2020)
- As dental services begin “returning to normal” in each state, PCM is requiring that this disclosure form be provided and completed by every patient at the time of every encounter. Please contact Dr. Nate Kalteski with any questions.
Patient Education
- COVID-19 Education on Intake Handout for Patients on intake to facility
- COVID-19 Discharge Education Handout for Patients Upon Release from Facility
Posters, Fact Sheets, & Materials from the CDC and Department of Health
*Important Announcements*
- *NEW GUIDANCE* CDC Issued new Guidance for Management of COVID-19 in Correctional Facilities and Detention Centers. Click here for the latest. (May 11, 2023)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine (Available Here) (Updated Guidance Issued April 19, 2023)
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Changes to Simplify Use of Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (Available Here) (Updated Guidance Issued April 18, 2023)
- Memo to All PCM Facilities Regarding COVID-19 Restrictions (June 25, 2021)
- BinaxNOWTM COVID-19 Ag Card Product Expiry Update (Released March 2021)
- Manufacturer testing has been completed to support a shelf-life (expiration date) of up to 9 months! Please review the above letter from Abbott with further information regarding the extended expiration date for this product, including the lot numbers affected and the updated expirations.
- COVID-19 Site Checklist (Issued December 2020)
- Definition of “Close Contact” Revised by CDC (October 21, 2020)
- Memo to Our Valued Partners: Frustration Over Test Results (June 16, 2020)
- Memo to All PCM Facilities: COVID-19 – Returning to Normal Operations (May 19, 2020)
- Memo to Our Valued Clients: Facility-Wide Testing (April 27, 2020)
Vaccine Information
- Pennsylvania Department of Health (“PAHAN”) Alert – COVID Vaccination Indications and Contraindications (Released January 6, 2021)
- Information regarding the CDC, FDA “V-Safe” smartphone-based tool that provides personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine is available at vsafe.cdc.gov. (V-safe Poster and Informational Handout)
- CDC Guidance re: Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines and Clarification on the 4-Day Grace Period for Administering the Second Vaccine Dose
Moderna Vaccine
- Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
- Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers Administering Vaccine
Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine
- Pennsylvania Department of Health (“PAHAN”) Alert – Change in Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Transportation and Storage Conditions (2021-PAHAN-556) (Released February 28, 2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers Administering the Vaccine
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
Janssen Vaccine
- *NEW Announcement: FDA Authorized Extension of Shelf Life for the Janssen Vaccine from 3 months to 4.5 months (an additional 6 weeks). Click here for EAU Amendment – Concurrence Letter. (June 10, 2021)
- Janssen Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (Revised April 23, 2021)
- Janssen Vaccine Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers Administering the Vaccine (Revised April 23, 2021)
Maryland facilities – Vaccine Administration Forms, Logs & Required Documentation (Last Updated 03/03/2021)
- Vaccine Checklist
- Refrigerator Log
- Vaccine Administration Log
- Informed Consent and Release:
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- Moderna Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Janssen Vaccine (reinstated 03/03/2021)
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- Post-Injection Procedure & Anaphylaxis Protocol
New York facilities – Vaccine Administration Forms, Logs & Required Documentation (Last Updated 03/03/2021)
- Vaccine Checklist
- Refrigerator Log
- Vaccine Administration Log
- Informed Consent and Release:
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- Moderna Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Janssen Vaccine (reinstated 03/03/2021)
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- Post-Injection Procedure & Anaphylaxis Protocol
- For NY employees: to access New York State’s “Am I Eligible” App as well as the latest information regarding vaccine administration efforts in New York State click here.
New Hampshire facilities – Vaccine Administration Forms, Logs & Required Documentation (Last Updated 03/03/2021)
- Vaccine Checklist
- Refrigerator Log
- Vaccine Administration Log
- Informed Consent and Release:
- Moderna Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Janssen Vaccine (reinstated 03/03/2021)
- Post-Injection Procedure & Anaphylaxis Protocol
Pennsylvania facilities – Vaccine Administration Forms, Logs & Required Documentation (Last Updated 01/06/2020)
- Vaccine Checklist
- Refrigerator Log
- Vaccine Administration Log
- Informed Consent and Release:
- Moderna Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Janssen Vaccine (reinstated 03/03/2021)
- Post-Injection Procedure & Anaphylaxis Protocol
West Virginia facilities – Vaccine Administration Forms, Logs & Required Documentation (Last Updated 12/21/2020)
- Vaccine Checklist
- Refrigerator Log
- Vaccine Administration Log
- Informed Consent and Release:
- Moderna Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine (updated 03/03/2021)
- Janssen Vaccine (reinstated 03/03/2021)
- Moderna Informed Consent and Release – WV sites only
- Moderna Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
- Post-Injection Procedure & Anaphylaxis Protocol
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
**FDA Revoked Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Monoclonal Antibody Bamlanivimab. See Press Release April 16, 2021
*Latest State Restrictions and Mandates*
- Maryland
- For the latest information on all Orders and Guidance in the State of Maryland visit here.
- New Hampshire
- Information regarding COVID-19 in New Hampshire, including up-to-date information on travel guidance and quarantine restrictions visit www.nh.gov/covid19.
- New York
- For up-to-date information on COVID-19 mitigation efforts and mandates within the State of New York, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov
- Pennsylvania
- For the information on the latest orders and mitigation efforts in Pennsylvania visit the PA Department of Health website as well as governor.pa.gov..
Notes from Our Weekly Wednesday Morning Conference Calls w/ Our Clients
Human Resources
- PrimeCare Policy (PCM C-07): Combined Leave Policy
- Employee COVID-19 Shift Bonus Request Form
- PTO Donation Request Form
- Your Highmark Health Insurance & COVID-19-related Resources
New York Specific Materials
- New York State COVID-19 Leave Information
- New York State Request for COVID-19 Quarantine DB/PFL – Self form
- New York State Request for COVID-19 Quarantine PFL – Child form
Changes to Professional Licensure Requirements
Maryland
- State of Maryland will allow medical students, nursing students, and those studying to be medical technicians to aid in relief efforts. For more information, check out this bulletin and Maryland’s official website. (March 25, 2020).
New Hampshire
- Temporary Authorization of Out-of-State Medical Providers to provide in-person and telehealth. For more information see here or a full, official copy of the State’s Emergency Order # 15, available here. (March 23, 2020).
- For all of the latest updates and information from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure an Certification, visit their website.
New York
- For up-to-date changes and important information for professional licensees, visit New York’s Office of Professions’ website.
Pennsylvania
- Renewal deadlines extended for nurses and other licensed professionals. Click here for more info!
- Temporary Changes and Waivers for professionals licensed by PA Board of Nursing. (last updated March 30, 2020).
- State Waived Certain Licensing Requirements to Allow Retired Health Care Professionals to Practice During Coronavirus Emergency. See March 25, 2020 Announcement from PA Department of State.
- Medical Doctors’ Two-Facility Institutional License Limit Suspended on March 20, 2020. See Announcement.
- Some Requirements Temporarily Waive for Those Seeking Licensure as Psychologists, Social Workers, Therapists and Counselors. See March 26, 2020 Announcement.
- For all of the latest licensing waivers and extensions issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State, visit their COVID-19 specific website here.
West Virginia
- WV temporarily suspends certain rules in order expedite RN licensure. Click here for more info. (March 27, 2020)
- Out-of-state MDs and PAs, as well as Retired WV MDs and PAs can now register to practice in WV during the State of Emergency. For more information visit this website.
- For all COVID-19 information released by the West Virginia RN Board, visit their website here.
- Up-to-date announcements and information are also available on the official websites for: WV Board of Medicine and WV Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
Additional Information and Resources
Caring for Your Mental Health, Managing Stress, Emotional Support Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-TALK for free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Available 24/7!
- Tips and Information re: Stress and Coping are available on the CDC’s website by clicking here.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide
- Maryland has compiled a list of FAQs and Resources for how to cope with mental health, stress and anxiety, all of which are available here.
- New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314
- In partnership with the Kate Spade New York Foundation and Crisis Text Line, a 24/7 emotional support service is available for frontline health care workers. Workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 for support.
- Pennsylvanians – Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “PA” to 741-741. Additional information and resources also available here.
- West Virginia offers several avenues for its residents to obtain support and services:
Child Care – State Efforts to Alleviate Concerns r/t lack of child care
- Maryland‘s LOCATE – free referral hotline for child care resources for Essential Personnel. See here or State website here. (March 25, 2020).
- New Hampshire establishes Emergency Child Care Collaborative. (March 26, 2020).
- Pennsylvania created an online tool for essential workers to find child care providers. See Online Search Tool and, for more information this Press Release. (March 27, 2020).
Utilities, Rent, Mortgage Protections
- Maryland: Residential utility service providers prohibited from terminating services or assess late fees for late or non-payment for electric, gas, sewage, telegraph, telephone, water, cable, or internet services during State of Emergency. Executive Order issued March 16, 2020.
- Maryland: temporary prohibition issued for eviction proceedings against tenants suffering substantial loss of income due to COVID-19. Executive Order issued March 16, 2020.
- New Hampshire: Utility providers prohibited from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payment. Emergency Order 3
- New Hampshire: Temporary prohibition on evictions and foreclosures for duration of the State of Emergency. Emergency Order 4
- New York: New Your State mortgage servicers directed to provide 90-day mortgage relief to borrowers impacted by coronavirus. 90-day moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants also implemented. For more information see Know Your Rights website or this additional guidance.
- Pennsylvania: Utilities under the Public Utility Commission (electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam) prohibited from being terminated. Click here for more information. PA residents struggling to pay utility bills are encouraged to contact their service providers for possible emergency assistance programs.
- Pennsylvania: residents struggling to cover mortgage payment or rent directed to contact lender or landlord. More information available here.
Federal and State websites dedicated to providing COVID-19 updates and information
- Coronavirus.gov
- U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”)
- Guidance Issued by the CDC
- CDC Resources and Information for If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone Who is Sick
- Information for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home
- U.S. Department of Labor – Coronavirus Resources
- MD Department of Health COVID-19 website
- NH Department of Health & Human Services COVID-19 website
- NY Department of Health COVID-19 website
- PA Department of Health COVID-19 website
- WV Department of Health & Human Resources COVID-19 website
Miscellaneous
- Federal stimulus check (a.k.a. Economic Impact Payments) — Where is mine? Visit IRS.Gov – What you need to know for more information. (March 30, 2020).
- Pets and COVID-19: The CDC Answers Your FAQs here and offers additional information here
- New York’s “NYS on PAUSE” restrictions and closures EXTENDED until May 15th See Announcement
- States Require Use of Mask or Face Coverings in Public
- New York – Effective Wednesday April 15, at 8:00 p.m. Executive Order not yet available, but more info can be found in Chairman’s Memorandum 6-2020 and Interim Guidance from the NYS DOH
- Maryland – Effective Saturday April 18, at 7:00 a.m.See Executive Order for more details, at page 3
- Pennsylvania – Effective Sunday April 19, at 8:00 p.m. See Press Release or Official Order of the Secretary of PA Dept. of Health
- (Click here for guidance and DIY instructions from the CDC)