COVID-19 UPDATE #156
April 30, 2021
INSLEE ANNOUNCES UPDATE TO LONG TERM CARE FACILITY GUIDANCE
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) informed providers today that recently both the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance related to communal dining and activities in long term care. The CDC also updated guidance related to use of source control and PPE. As a result of these updates, and to align with the new guidance, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) updated the Safe Start for LTC documents and submitted them to Governor Inslee for approval.

Governor Jay Inslee today approved the update to the guidance documents for Proclamation 20-66, Operations and Visitation, for long term care facilities. 

The guidance documents are amended to align with recent CDC recommendations regarding what infection control practices should be in place when planning for or allowing communal activities, such as group activities or communal dining. The changes will allow residents who are fully vaccinated to choose to have close contact with other fully vaccinated individuals and to not wear source control during the activity. This change reflects the continuing progression towards returning long term care facilities to a more normal state by allowing residents to have greater contact with their fellow residents, reducing the stark social isolation many have faced during the past year. 

The changes are effective immediately. The Department of Social Health Services, in partnership with the Department of Health, will also issue a Dear Administrator letter to long term care providers notifying them of this change. 

Guidance documents: 

If you have questions, please email Elena Madrid or Vicki McNealley.
FINGERPRINT BACKGROUND CHECKS TO RESUME IN ASSISTED LIVING
In a Dear Administrator letter dated April 30, 2021, assisted living providers are informed that fingerprint background checks will resume. On March 18, 2020, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-18, which suspended the fingerprint background check requirements for long term care facilities. Once the temporary suspension of the requirement ends, long term care workers will again need to complete a fingerprint-based background check as required by law.

Although the COVID-19 public health emergency continues to affect our state, many fingerprint background check locations are open and able to safely provide fingerprint background checks. While providers have been very diligent in scheduling employee fingerprint appointments when they were able, Department records show that there may be over 20,000 individuals who still need to complete their fingerprint-based background check.

All providers are being asked to review their BCS account to:
  1. Have your current employees complete the fingerprint-based background check, and
  2. Withdraw fingerprint inquiries for any individuals who either were not hired or are no longer employed at your facility.

The letter provides a list of fingerprinting locations that are currently open and available to provide fingerprint background checks. Providers are encouraged to email Debra Hoeman or call her at (360) 725-3210 if they have questions.
DEAR ADMINISTRATOR LETTER PROVIDES SOURCES TO ACCESS VACCINES FOR RESIDENTS
In a Dear Administrator letter dated April 29, 2021, providers are informed that the Department of Health (DOH) has a new transition plan to move from Site Vaccine Clinics to meeting new resident vaccinations through local sources. The letter provides the information you will need and steps you will want to take to access vaccines for your residents.

To access the vaccine please use the following steps:
  • Work with your existing LTC Pharmacy providers to see if they can provide in-house vaccine delivery/services. For ALF, local storefront pharmacies may be willing to provide site visits/curbside service for those with mobility issues. Call and ask if possible and to prior arrange.
  • Contact your local health jurisdictions to link with any available mobile vaccine teams that may be available to provide support.
  • If none of these sources can provide assistance, complete the DOH Survey to be contacted directly.
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SHARE INDOOR AIR QUALITY TIPS
Socially distanced and low capacity indoor activities with good ventilation and with fully vaccinated mask-wearing participants is the safest approach to indoor gatherings. While it is not official public health guidance but rather public health messaging, Seattle King County Public Health just released a guide to Improving Indoor Air - King County that may be helpful to providers who are planning to resume indoor activities. This is not a reopening guidance but rather provides tips for improving indoor air quality if programs/ activities are offered in a congregate setting.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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.