CDPHE amends Public Health Order 20-20; updated residential care facility guidance documents released

 

To: Residential care facilities (Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Group Homes, and Intermediate Care Facilities)  From: CDPHE Residential Care Strike Team and Infection Prevention Program Following updated CDC recommendations, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment amended Public Health Order 20-20 and updated guidance for nursing homes and intermediate care facilities, as well as assisted living residences and group homes.  Join us for one of two informational guidance calls on Friday, October 14, 2022. See the meeting information below to register for the call that corresponds with your facility type.  Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities     October 14, 2022 - 11 a.m.     Register here:     https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_e7WB9iuQSEGfdmEqaed9Hg Assisted living residences and group homes     October 14, 2022 - 1 p.m.     Register here:     https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_czr17D6HTRyD0VmiSqYviQ Updates and general guidelines include: CDPHE separated guidance by facility type and aligned it with CDC’s September 23, 2022 updates.  Vaccination status is no longer used to inform source control, screening testing, or post-exposure recommendations. Routine surveillance testing is no longer required for people who are asymptomatic. Testing remains required for people with symptoms, people who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, and higher risk exposures. Testing is also required during outbreaks. Facilities should assign at least one staff member to oversee infection prevention strategies within the facility. This person should complete education as outlined in the guidance and is responsible for infection prevention strategies including:  Remaining informed of guidance and public health reporting requirements Ensuring the facility has the appropriate supplies available to adhere to infection prevention and control practices Managing the respiratory protection program Educating residents, staff, and visitors about current infection prevention practices necessary to prevent infectious disease transmission within the facility. Each facility must maintain a COVID-19 mitigation, vaccine, and treatment plan that promotes vaccine confidence and acceptance. Facilities must offer vaccinations and access to treatments to all consenting staff and residents.  Facilities must make COVID-19 vaccines available to staff and residents inside their facility within 60 days of any update to CDC’s vaccine recommendations. See the full nursing homes/intermediate care facilities and assisted living residences and group homes guidance documents for details, requirements, and recommendations that are now in place for residential and long-term care facilities. Email questions regarding the implementation of the updated guidance to the Infection Prevention Program and Residential Care Strike Team.