Long-term care facilities are entering into Pennsylvania’s “green phase” on a county-by-county basis that involves the removal of most restrictions placed on business operations and social regulations by the Department of Health (DOH). However, they should be aware that ongoing restrictions implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state DOH must be followed in those facilities for at least 28 days after entering their specific county’s “green phase.” The original guidance issued in March and updated in May requires visitor limitations, personnel restrictions, and other measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.
The “green phase” or “new normal” as it is being called may be reviewed at: https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/. It should be noted that some workplace, congregate settings, and social restrictions are still required.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) issued guidance restricting visitation to state licensed intermediate care facilities, assisted living residences, and 17 state-run facilities that include state centers, state hospitals, youth development centers and youth forestry camps. These facilities are encouraged to provide virtual visits to maintain communication and connection between residents and their families.
Safe visitation according to these DHS guidelines includes:
- A meeting that occurs between an individual or family/friends viewing each other through a window or glass door, so social distancing guidelines can be followed.
- Using technology such as FaceTime, Skype, Zoom meetings, Facebook, Messenger, etc.
- Promoting communication through telephone calls, email, writing letters, texting, sending photographs or videos, or the use of virtual assistant technology (i.e. Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home).
For additional resources regarding COVID-19 and nursing homes in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Health’s COVID-19 Information for Nursing Homes at: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Nursing-Homes.aspx.
Compliance Perspective
Failure to be aware of and observe the guidelines applicable to the state, county, and city where a facility is located prior to re-opening may result in the facility being cited for placing residents and staff at risk for the increased spread of COVID-19, and may be considered provision of substandard quality of care, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures required by federal, state, and local authorities regarding the re-opening requirements prior to implementing the various phases.
- Train staff on implementing the guidelines for each re-opening phase as required by federal, state, and local regulations.
- Periodically audit to ensure that the facility is correctly observing guidelines for each phase of re-opening in accordance with all requirements.
