Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available from HHS
As the spread of respiratory viruses increases this fall/winter, AHCA/NCAL is reminding providers about the availability of free COVID-19 tests through the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Abbott BinaxNOW Test Kit Program. Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities continue to receive or are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of Abbott BinaxNOW over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits. Facilities/communities must have an active CLIA waiver to be eligible to participate in this program.
Shipments can be started and stopped, and test quantities can be increased or decreased by emailing [email protected]. The email must include:
- Name of the facility
- Facility address
- CLIA waiver number
- Request (stop, start, increase, decrease)
Please note, it may take a week or two to update the shipping information.
CDC guidance requires anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. More information and detailed guidance can be found on CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel.
If you have an influx of test kits and aren’t sure how to use them, keep in mind that since the tests are OTC, you can provide them to visitors, staff, or residents for their personal use as well. The exact expiration dates for the tests can be found on the FDA website.
Posted in Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Facilities
