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ATLANTA (September 21, 2020) – Today the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a revised Administrative Order on Georgia’s long-term care facility reopening guidance. The order follows recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance that lays out a framework for nursing homes to facilitate on-site visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the DPH Administrative Order

Read the updated CMS guidance on visitation in nursing homes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has granted a third extension of the application period for Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, CHIP, and dental providers to apply for payments from the Provider Relief Fund.  The new deadline to apply is Sunday, September 13, 2020.

In response to concerns about the risk of exposure in congregate settings, DCH worked with DBHDD to develop an Amendment to the approved Appendix K Emergency Plan for Georgia’s four Medicaid Waiver Programs.  The programs provide community-based services to frail older Medicaid waiver members and members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  On July 27th, CMS approved the Amendment which allows providers to use retainer payment reimbursement for a total of three 30-day periods.