In light of recently published guidance to help prevent and control the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), we at Wilson Elser have mobilized to help our senior care clients reduce the likelihood of spread of the illness to our most vulnerable population.
Written Protocol for Containment and Prevention of
Spread
As a first step, each facility must immediately enact a written
protocol on how to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. The
protocol must be disseminated to staff, residents, and more
importantly, family members and visitors.
Educate Health Care Personnel
Education starts with informing the health care personnel (HCP) and
all staff about the actions the facility is taking to prevent the
spread of COVID-19, advising residents and visitors of actions they
can take to protect themselves, and reinforcing sick leave
policies. Providing proper supplies, including gloves, hand
sanitizer and soap, to HCP and residents will help reduce risks.
Residents who display symptoms should be quarantined and
consideration should be given to designating a particular unit for
those with symptoms who do not need hospitalization or those who
have tested positive and are not displaying symptoms. HCP should be
given Personal Protective Equipment (facemasks, gloves, eye
protection, etc.) while caring for those in need.
Prohibit Visitors
Most states as well as President Trump have advised against
allowing visitors at a senior living facility at this time.
However, facilities should offer alternate means of staying
connected with friends and family members, such as
videoconferencing.
Signage should be posted at the entrance to facilities and screening should be conducted for anyone who may have been exposed.
For those residents in end-of-life care, facilities should encourage visitors to use proper hand hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment, and to limit their movements around the facility.
HCP with Symptoms of Respiratory Illness
Facilities should implement flexible sick leave policies in line
with public health policies to permit those HCP and staff who are
ill to stay home. All employees should be encouraged to monitor
themselves for signs of respiratory illness and fever. All HCP need
to be screened at the start of each shift for fever and signs of
respiratory symptoms. If illness is detected, the person should put
on a facemask and leave the workplace.
If an HCP or staff member develops symptoms while at work, they should immediately put on a facemask, minimize interactions with others, inform their supervisor and leave the workplace. Facilities concerned that HCP may be suffering from COVID-19 should immediately contact their state health department for additional information.
Stay Informed
Facilities should stay informed of the latest developments and
recommendation from the CDC and their local health department
during this pandemic to ensure the safety of their residents, staff
and visitors.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.