March 16, 2020
Health Care Alert
Author(s): Michele A. Masucci, Peter J. Millock, Philip Rosenberg, Sarah E. Swank
On Friday, March 13, 2020, the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Healthcare Associated Infections issued a Health Advisory restricting visitors to nursing homes and adult care facilities and providing other protective measures requirements for patients and health care professionals, as well as guidance on providing notices after identification of infection.
As the understanding of how COVID-19 is transmitted unfolds, the New York State Department of Health instituted requirements applicable to all Nursing Home and Adult Care Facilities. These requirements include:
Suspending visitors
Suspend all visitors except when medically necessary or for family members of residents in imminent end-of-life situations and those providing hospice care.
Implementing health checks
Immediately implement health checks for all health care professionals and other facility staff at the beginning of each shift and for all permitted visitors prior to entering the facility.
Wearing face masks
Require all health care professionals and facility staff to wear a face mask while within six (6) feet of residents.
Reporting
Provide notice to the local health department and the New York State Department of Health in the event that a case of COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed in a nursing home or adult care facility.
Suspected cases
If there is a suspected case at a nursing home or adult care facility, follow requirements, such as:
Confirmed cases
If there is a confirmed case at a nursing home or adult care facility, follow requirements, such as:
Importantly, this health advisory supersedes all previous New York State Department of Health guidance.
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