The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has authorized the use of federal Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment funds so federally certified nursing homes may purchase portable fans and portable room air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA, H-13 or -14) filters to increase or improve air quality. A maximum use of $3,000 per facility, including shipping costs, may be requested. This is in addition to the $3,000 that facilities may request for in-person visitation aids, such as tents or other shelters and clear dividers. This opportunity is for facilities certified to participate in the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs. Assisted Living facilities are not eligible for this program.

• COVID-19 Application FAQ (wisconsin.gov)
• COVID-19 Application Template In Person Visitation (wisconsin.gov)

CMS has authorized the use of CMP funds to purchase any of the following for the purposes of in-person visitation:

• Tents or other shelter for outdoor visitation (purchase and/or rental) See CMS’s statement regarding the use of heaters in outdoor tents;
• Clear dividers (e.g., Plexiglas or similar product) to create a physical barrier to reduce the risk of transmission during in-person visits;
• Indoor portable fans; and/or
• Indoor portable air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA, H-13 or -14) filters. (Note: CMP funds are not available for replacement filters.)

Federally certified nursing homes interested in participating in the grant program are asked to submit competed application to: DHSDQAFiscal@dhs.wisconsin.gov. Each application must list the type of equipment including the brand and model.

Applications will be reviewed to verify that requests for equipment are within parameters established by CMS. Facilities will receive an approval letter from DQA with instructions on how to submit the required documentation to receive reimbursement.

Questions
Please contact DHSDQAFiscal@dhs.wisconsin.gov.