As discussed during our weekly call with Chapters, we received notice that the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) recently returned several staffing mitigation attestation forms. This form is submitted by the Chapter Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer when the Chapter intends to return close-contact employees to work prior to the completion of the 10-day quarantine period. We detailed the form and protocols in our January 26 COVID-19 Update. 

 

We reached out to OPWDD to share our concerns about the forms being returned due to Chapters not selecting "yes" for each of the six mitigation strategies. Of particular concern was number six on the form, as there may not always be social factors that are causing a provider to have a staffing shortage. Thus, a response of "no" would be reasonable. OPWDD agreed to review the form and make adjustments in consideration of our feedback and recommendations. 

 

The revised form now includes the language, "where/if appropriate" for each condition. OPWDD expects that providers will review and consider the need for each mitigation strategy, in which case, a response of "yes" would be warranted for all strategies. 

 

If a form you submitted has been returned, please complete the revised form and resubmit to OPWDD indicating that each mitigation strategy has been reviewed and considered.