New Jersey DOH Issues Clear Directive to Nursing Homes Regarding Notifying Staff, Residents, and Families of COVID-19 Cases
The New Jersey State Health Commissioner recently announced that the Department of Health (DOH) has issued clear instructions for nursing homes to follow regarding notifying staff, residents, and families about COVID-19 cases.
The directives came as a result of reports from NJ Advance Media that families have not been getting accurate and timely information from nursing homes caring for their loved ones regarding the coronavirus. It was also reported that some staff members were alleging that they were also uninformed about who had contracted COVID-19.
The commissioner reported that all residents and staff members in nursing homes are to be notified in person and in writing within 24 hours after the confirmation of a COVID-19 infection. Families or the designated responsible party of a resident must be notified by a nursing home via telephone, email, or another form of communication within 24 hours of the confirmation of a COVID-19 case or if a person is being evaluated for coronavirus. Additionally, this notification must be followed-up in a written notification within three days.
Along with the directives issued, the commissioner said that if nursing homes do not comply, the names of those not in compliance would be released to the public.
Compliance Perspective
Facilities failing to notify residents, family members, and designated responsible parties, about COVID-19 cases, may be considered in breach of residents’ rights to be informed, in violation of state and federal regulations.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures regarding notification to residents, families, designated responsible parties, and staff members regarding infectious diseases like the Coronavirus, and all state and federal regulations governing required notifications, as well as the protection of privacy for victims of the virus.
- Train staff about all federal and state directives and protocols for preventing the spread of COVID-19, including wearing personal protective equipment, and about HIPAA privacy requirements.
- Periodically audit to ensure that the facility is following state and federal guidelines regarding notifications to residents, families, designated responsible parties, and staff members of COVID-19 cases, while at the same time complying with HIPAA privacy requirements.
