Federally Qualified Health Centers are often on the front lines when a state or federal emergency happen. Educate staff on the appropriate surface contact time for each cleaning agent and ensure that manufacturers’ recommendations for use are followed, such as dilution and care in handling. Establish separate, well-ventilated spaces for patients with symptoms of suspected COVID-19, with easy access to respiratory hygiene supplies, and away from other patients seeking care. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) should have at least 60% alcohol and be readily accessible for makeshift pre-screening zones in the absence of a hand basin with soap and water. Pre-screened symptomatic patients who need to be seen in a clinical setting should be asked to call before they leave home, so staff are ready to receive them using appropriate infection control practices and PPE. Once the emergency preparedness plan is sufficiently updated and approved by all necessary executive parties, disseminate the document to your entire staff. the Communication Plan, 3.) Therefore, facilities need to have safeguards in place to protect patients and staff from cross-infection. +����L�� Z����=a��B�cd룄�찏����a��S���B��MO.eT�]��P. Isolation is needed to prevent a spike in cases and avoid overwhelming hospitals and health centers. Standards & Policy Updates AAAHC regularly reviews its policies, procedures, and Standards to determine whether revisions are necessary. the Policies and Procedures based on the Emergency Operations Plan/Risk Assessment/Communication Plan, and 4.) Ask specific questions about testing dates, recent travel, or known exposures, and note if they have had fevers or any other COVID-19 symptoms. As a cross-infection prevention measure, establish an internal system to track persons under investigation (PUI) and confirmed cases in your facility and local area. Emergency Preparedness Resources. In addition, per the Omnibus Reduction Final Rule, CMS has modified the following: 1. However, continue to offer patients alternatives to office visits, such as telehealth, patient portals, and advice lines, to further reduce risk. Consider staffing issues that may occur due to exposure; provisions for safe evacuation, especially for those who are at greater risk; and measures for participation in a potential community health crisis. Hand hygiene audits should be conducted—the foundation of transmission-based precautions. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created new burdens and unprecedented challenges for the U.S. healthcare system. xmp.id:db829fbd-5fb1-4b4c-844e-cd30a9be1cbb 1,2 AAAHC’s survey data show that more than 10% of healthcare organizations experience difficulty complying with emergency preparedness standards set by AAAHC as well as CMS’ Conditions of Coverage. Avoid having visitors in the facility, or limit to only one visitor at a time to accompany patients under 18, patients with disabilities (ADA), and/or post-procedure patients. ASCs that are accredited by AAAHC likely have solid risk assessment policies and procedures. Additionally, eliminate any penalties in place for cancellations to encourage sick patients to stay home or seek an office visit alternative as discussed above. The training and testing program must be reviewed and updated at least annually. The CDC also provides specific guidance on the collection and handling of clinical specimens. An easy way to keep everyone informed is to send daily or real-time e-newsletters with any changes or updates in protocols. Patient scheduling and pre-screening: In anticipation of the possible need to manage an influx of COVID-19 patients, your organization should have a plan for how to assess patients prior to entry into your system. Outside assistance to conduct infection control risk assessments can prove beneficial because internal management teams may be too deeply involved with daily operations. xmp.did:6dda36a2-7e7c-40b5-a5dc-8bd7f7b297e4 The CDC recommends EPA-registered hospital disinfectants that are effective against other respiratory pathogens, such as seasonal influenza and other human coronaviruses. the all-hazard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that is based on a Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (Risk Assessment), 2.) 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