Source: David R. Soens
The Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance recently issued DQA memorandum 20-001 which establishes a streamlined process for hospitals to expand their acute care inpatient services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The process is consistent with Wisconsin state statutes and recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 1135 Waivers. DQA management has documented 3 options for increasing inpatient beds during an anticipated COVID-19 surge related event. Physical environment requirements can typically be addressed through an Interim Life Safety Plan based upon NFPA 101 – 2012 edition Life Safety Code or DHS 124 subchapter V. Further details, contacts, and resources are available at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/dqa/memos/20-001.pdf
