Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Regulations / Standards
Cal/OSHA Interim Enforcement Policy on H1N1 and Section 5199 (Aerosol Transmissible Diseases)
On September 8, Cal/OSHA released the attached document: Cal/OSHA Interim Enforcement Policy on H1N1 and Section 5199 (Aerosol Transmissible Diseases).
Medicare Coverage and Reimbursement Rules for the H1N1 Vaccine
This article explains Medicare coverage and reimbursement rules for the H1N1 vaccine. All providers administering this vaccine should review this article and be sure that their billing staff are aware of this information.
CMS H1N1 EMTALA
The attached fact sheet clarifies options that are permissible under EMTALA and should reassure the provider community and public health officials that there is existing flexibility under EMTALA.
- Download the coverage and reimbursement rules
- Download the EMTALA Factsheet
- Additional CMS information and resources
H1N1 Health Alert Update for Health Care Settings
August 20, 2009: CDPHi Health Alert Update on recommendations for health care settings.
H1N1 Health Alert Update for Healthcare Providers and Clinicians
July 22, 2009: Addresses Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 lessons learned and provides guidance for clinicians. Please note the name change from novel influenza A (H1N1) in keeping with the World Health Organization’s nomenclature.
H1N1 Reporting Requirements for Hospitals
July 16, 2009: CDPH Health Alert update to address the changes in local health jurisdiction (LHJ) reporting requirements for pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza cases and outbreaks and provides guidance for clinicians. Please note the name change from novel influenza A (H1N1) in keeping with the World Health Organization’s nomenclature.
Guidelines / Recommendations
Calculating the Number of N95s Needed Daily
Excel tool for developing calculations for estimating the number of N95s needed on a daily basis
FEMA H1N1 Fact Sheet
Policies and guidance which outlines the types of emergency protective measures that may be eligible under the Public Assistance Program in the event of a major disaster or emergency declaration due to an outbreak of a human influenza pandemic in the United States and its territories.
CDPH H1N1 vaccine website – Home Page and H1N1
Beginning September 1, 2009 CDPH’s Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine website will go live. The website will allow you to pre-register for vaccine, order vaccine, receive vaccine information and updates, and report your H1N1 vaccine usage.
CDC Guidance: H1N1 Infection Control in a Healthcare Setting
This document provides interim guidance for healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals, long-term care and outpatient facilities, and other settings where healthcare is provided) and will be updated as needed.
H1N1 Flu Considerations in Obstetric Settings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released interim guidance on July 6, 2009 for preventing and managing novel H1N1 infections in obstetric settings. Severe illnesses in pregnant women and infants have been a feature of the flu pandemic, though experts don’t have a firm grasp on the epidemiology and illness spectrum. The new guidance says areas where prenatal care and labor and delivery services are delivered should be separated from areas where the sick are handled.
CDC Releases Pandemic H1N1 Vaccine Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued recommendations on July 8, 2009 to help state and local health officials decide who should get novel H1N1 vaccine when supplies are initially limited.
CDPH Issues H1N1 Employee Protection Recommendations
Issued on June 24, 2009, this guidance provides recommendations for employers and employees on protection during the H1N1 influenza outbreak. As more information emerges about the H1N1 virus, updated guidance documents will be issued and posted.
H1N1 Flu Clinical and Public Health Guidance
H1N1 Cases in Health Workers Show Need for Protection
- Center for Infectious Disease Research & Policy: H1N1 cases in health workers show need for protection
- CDC Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report – H1N1 Virus / Infections Among Health Care Personnel
Dr. Mark Horton, director of California Department of Public Health (CDPH), issued a statement June 11 on the World Health Organization’s decision to raise the Pandemic Alert Level for H1N1 from Phase 5 to 6.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Treating Children
Little is currently known about how H1N1 may affect children. However, we know from seasonal influenza and past pandemics that young children, especially those younger than 5 years of age and children who have high risk medical conditions, are at increased risk of influenza-related complications.
Flowchart for H1N1 Screening
Interim Guidance on Screening for Novel Influenza A (H1N1) provided by County of San Diego, Health & Human Services Agency
CDPH Issues Health Alert Update
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a Health Alert Update on May 21 regarding the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. This is expected to be the last regular update unless the situation changes. CDPH will continue to communicate on this issue with local health departments. Hospitals should follow the recommendations provided through their local health jurisdiction.
CHA will participate in a response debriefing with state agencies regarding the H1N1 event. Hospitals that activated their plans should conduct their own internal and community debriefing meetings.
For several years, health care providers and communities have been planning for a pandemic influenza, and the recent response to the H1N1 flu is indicative of those planning efforts. CHA commends hospitals and communities for their efforts.
To assist health care workers as they help patients who may be ill with H1N1 flu, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued infection control recommendations for:
- Hospitalized patients – Updated May 13
- Long-term-care patients – Updated May 13
- Outpatient settings – Updated May 8
Articles / Reports / Tools
CHA Hospital H1N1 Seasonal Influenza Preparedness Checklist
Developed by the CHA Hospital Preparedness Program and is intended to be used as one of several tools to assist in preparation for H1N1/Seasonal Influenza.
APIC Urges Healthcare Workers to Get Vaccinated Against Influenza
Mass Medical Care for Scarce Resources
HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released a condensed planning resource with new information specific to H1N1. The guide “Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials” is a tool for community planners to prepare for public health emergencies, such as pandemic flu, when demand for medical resources outweighs supply. It addresses ethical and legal issues and provides tips on preparing for the provision of services to address: pre-hospital, acute hospital care, alternative care sites, and palliative care during disaster conditions.
National Strategic Plan for ED Management of Novel H1N1 Influenza
Three Reports of Oseltamivir Resistant H1N1 Virus
The World Health Organization announced the identification of a third person with oseltamivir resistant novel H1N1 virus infection.
Key Points on H1N1 Pediatric Deaths
CDC tracks deaths among children with influenza infections; the number of deaths reported to CDC over the past five years has ranged from 46 to 153 deaths.
H1N1: Lessons Learned from the Frontlines
H1N1 provided a real-world test that showed the strengths, weaknesses and abilities to respond to a major infectious disease outbreak.
Could H1N1 Tip the World Into Deflation?
Health experts agree that while the current flu epidemic that started in Mexico in April 2009 may weaken during the summer, it could re-appear in the autumn, possibly in a stronger form. Using historical benchmarks of previous flu pandemics and of the SARS episode, Oxford Economics has estimated the economic impact of a global flu pandemic.
H1N1: Culture, Language and Trust
In response to the Influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak, The National Resource Center on Emergency Preparedness and Cultural Diversity has collected and centralized resources on the outbreak that pertain to issues surrounding culture, language, and trust. Translated materials are available in a variety of languages as are resources to assist in planning activities.
