On August 20, 2021, Governor Inslee issued a revised version of his vaccination mandate. The Proclamation had several revisions of which long term care providers should be aware.

In addition, the revised Proclamation also clarifies who qualifies as an “on-site volunteer” and “on-site contractor.” An “on-site volunteer” and “on-site contractor” includes: A volunteer or contractor who is reasonably likely or contractually obligated to engage in or in fact engages in work while physically present at a building, facility, jobsite, project site, unit, or other defined area owned, leased, or occupied by an operator of a Health Care Setting.

An “on-site volunteer” and “on-site contractor” does not include: A volunteer or contractor who is reasonably likely or contractually obligated to engage in or in fact engages in work during which they are physically present at a site for only a short period of time and any moments of close physical proximity to others on site are fleeting. Examples include contractors delivering supplies by truck to a construction site where they remain physically distanced from others on the site or a driver for a contracted shipping and delivery service briefly entering a site to pick up parcels for shipping.

Finally, the Governor’s revised Proclamation warns against providing accommodations when they are not justified or supported by evidence. The Proclamation specifically states that Health Care Settings and others are:

Should you have questions, please contact Robin Dale, Elena Madrid or Vicki McNealley. Additional information and guidance will be provided during WHCA’s Upcoming Vaccine Mandate Webinar which will be hosted on Monday, August 30, from 10 AM to noon.

Governor Inslee’s original Proclamation was recently revised. These revisions include important provisions regarding contractors, volunteers, and warning against “rubberstamping” accommodation requests. On Monday, August 30, we invite you to join Sarah Swale of Jensen Morse Baker PLLC for a presentation on the new COVID-19 vaccine mandate and the recent additions to the Proclamation. During this session, Sarah will review the components of the mandate, address medical accommodation and religious exemptions, provide the latest information available, and make time for Q&A so that you can get answers to your questions. Review the brochure with all the details, and click here to register today.

Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for all healthcare workers, state employees, and others requires those working in assisted living and skilled nursing centers to ensure all employees are fully vaccinated on or before October 18, 2021. The mandate also outlines requirements impacting volunteers, vendors, contractors, and others who enter health care facilities. Providers are working to ensure they understand the mandate and to inform and educate employees of the new requirements.

In addition, Proclamation 21-14 also provides that some individuals may qualify for a medical accommodation or religious exemption. Employers must ensure a process for employees to seek accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief. There have been many questions asked, and employers are trying to navigate this new mandate.

The state of Washington has developed guidance and forms on religious and medical exemptions that were distributed to state HR departments. These forms/information were created for use by the state agencies for their own state employees. They were not created with the direct intent for use in LTC facilities. However, these forms are being provided as another resource to consider as you develop your own forms and process within your organization.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a letter ​yesterday alerting health care providers to stop using certain N95 respirators manufactured by one specific company, Shanghai Dasheng Health Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Dasheng). Providers currently using N95 respirators manufactured by Shanghai Dasheng should cease utilizing them. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) revoked all respirator approvals previously issued to Shanghai Dasheng because the company did not implement, maintain, and control a quality management system. All previously authorized Shanghai Dasheng respirators are no longer authorized for emergency use as a result of the loss of NIOSH-approval. More information can be found in the FDA letter here​.  

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is proud to present a new, short-length documentary - Why It's Time to Transform Nursing Homes. The documentary looks at the impact of COVID-19 on residents and staff, and why meaningful reforms coupled with substantial investments are necessary in light of this pivotal moment in our profession.

Hear from President & CEO Mark Parkinson and Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford on the public health response, as well as AHCA Chair Debbie Meade and AHCA Vice Chair Phil Fogg, Jr. for an on-the-ground perspective. The documentary then makes the case for the Care For Our Seniors Act – a four-pronged reform proposal released by AHCA and LeadingAge earlier this year. 

WHCA continues to post resources and information as it becomes available on our website. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the WHCA office at (800) 562-6170.