Week in Review 6/28/21

COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Changes to New Drug Combination

• HHS released a statement that they are pausing the distribution of Bamlanivimab/ Etesevimab. Both HHS and MDHHS recommend switching Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab to REGN-COV or Sotrovimab.
• In response to national/state guidance, MHC changed its Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Therapy from Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab to REGN-COV (Casirivimab/Imdevimab).
• This change does NOT affect MHC’s mAb referral process.

mAb Therapy Referral Resources

mAb Support Line: 231-935-4880

(closed July 3-5)

Pre-Operative COVID-19 Testing No Longer Required for Non-AGP Procedures

• Beginning 7.7.21, only aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) will follow the established
  Pre-Procedure/Pre-Surgical COVID-19 Workflow for specimen collection.
• In addition to patients undergoing AGPs, all patients to be admitted or observation status, including all OB patients, will continue to need pre-procedural testing.
• If a case is boarded as general or anesthesia choice, continue to test for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing

MHC Strongly Encourages Healthcare Team to be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

MHC released the following statement in response to Healthcare Team and community questions:

“Munson Healthcare has not made the decision to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for our Healthcare Team. As of today, COVID-19 vaccinations are strongly encouraged, and we continue to offer vaccinations through Employee Health. This is an important decision that we take seriously. We will continue to monitor and discuss this topic and make the best decisions to ensure the ongoing safety of our Healthcare Team and patients.”

MHC Recognized for Vaccination Efforts

The Michigan Lean Consortium presented MHC’s Vaccination Team with a 2020 Best in Healthcare Continuous Improvement award for the system’s tireless efforts to help vaccinate the communities it serves against COVID-19.

Contact-Tracing Logs for Visitors Discontinued at MHC

Effective 7.2.21, all MHC patient and visitor screeners will discontinue the recording of contact information (name and phone number) in visitor logs. This change aligns with current Federal OSHA regulations.

Isotope Shortage for Gallbladder Imaging

• We continue to experience a shortage of Mebrofenin cold kits, which are used for gallbladder imaging.
• There will be no Mebrofenin cold kits made for the holiday weekend (July 3-5).
• Schedule permitting, next week we will be able to conduct gallbladder imaging scheduled before 10 am Tuesday – Friday.

People on the Move

Walt Noble, MD, FACS, has been named Chief Medical Officer for MMC effective immediately.

7.7.21: PF | System Updates

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7.14.21: PF | Legislative Update (Schneider)

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