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All LTC facilities including SNF and AL, and including those with memory care units, need to begin utilizing the newly released DOH Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings, dated October 31, 2022.
The newly adopted guidance reflects changes in the following areas:
- Updated management of staff, visitors, and patients entering a facility.
- Updated to reflect that vaccination status is no longer used to inform source control, screening testing, or post-exposure recommendations
- Updated circumstances when use of eye protection is recommended
- Updated recommendations for testing frequency.
- Clarified that screening testing of asymptomatic healthcare personnel, including those in nursing homes, is at the discretion of the healthcare facility
- Updated to note that, in general, asymptomatic patients no longer require empiric use of Transmission-Based Precautions following close contact with someone with SARSCoV-2 infection
- Updated to note that, in general, staff do not require restrictions from work following a higher risk exposure to someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection
- Updated screening testing recommendations for nursing home admissions
- Updated to continue to include assisted living, group homes, and other residential care settings
DOH and DSHS will be hosting an additional training session on this information for LTC providers on Thursday, November 3, at 11 AM. This training will address the DOH guidance changes effective October 31, 2022, that were made as a result of the recently released CDC guidance for assisted living facilities, as well as the CDC guidance and recently released QSO memos QSO-20-38-NH-Revised (testing) and QSO-20-39-NH-Revised (visitation) for SNF. Both AL and SNF facilities will need to follow the newly released DOH guidance dated October 31, 2022.
To register for the November 3, 11 AM updated guidance webinar, click here.
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