Nevada’s Seniors and COVID-19

Recently, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., highlighted the need for action when she spoke on the Senate floor about vulnerable Nevadans in nursing homes. She called on the Senate to pass legislation that includes more funding for PPE, testing, staffing, and other support to keep Nevadans safe. Cortez Masto is cosponsoring the legislation. There are approximately 382 assisted licensed assisted living facilities in Nevada and 66 skilled nursing care facilities. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports that as of May 24, 2020, there were 126 nursing home residence COVID-19 deaths.

A June 25, 2020, press release from U.S. Congressman Steven Horsford, D-Nev., indicates that “[a]ccording to a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) report from early June, almost one-third of Nevada nursing home residents who died after contracting COVID-19 had not been publicly reported. And today, about one-fourth of Nevada nursing homes are not regularly submitting COVID-19 data to federal officials.”

On August 24, 2020, the New York Post reported that the Trump administration will shortly unveil mandatory coronavirus testing and reporting rules for nursing homes. An aggressive effort to get point-of-care COVID-19 testing — rapid tests that offer on-site results — in all nursing homes will provide the capability ahead of the fall flu season, administration officials said.

Senator Cortez Masto also joined Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) in introducing the COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2020, legislation that would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop an action plan to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 among communities of color. In July, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) met with Caleb Cage, Nevada Director of COVID-19 Response, to discuss the work the Silver State is doing in coordination with local, tribal and federal entities to combat coronavirus. They also discussed the specific support that Nevada needs from Congress in the next coronavirus relief package.

For more than 30 years, Attorney Lee A. Drizin has practiced in the areas of estate planning, probate, trusts, guardianship and real estate matters representing clients throughout the state of Nevada.

Drizin Law is providing this information for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion as to any specific facts or circumstances. This information is based on general principles of Nevada law at the time it was created and you should be aware laws frequently change. Moreover, the laws affecting you may differ depending on the circumstances. You should consult with a qualified attorney in your own state or jurisdiction concerning your particular situation. Review of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.