New AHCA/NCAL Guidance/Resources to Help Prevent COVID-19 Spread
March 10, 2020 | Corona Virus
AHCA/NCAL’s recommendations go beyond the CMS guidance issued to nursing homes on March 4, 2020, but are consistent with the guidance and regulations that we should restrict persons entering the building who pose a health risk to the residents.
- Guidance for Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Screening Checklist for all SNF Visitors
- Guidance for Assisted Living Communities
SNF’s
- Restrict entry
- Restrict visitors if COVID-19 in surrounding communities
- Eliminate social visits
- Active screening
- Require handwashing upon entry
- Set up remote communication channels for family
AL’s
- Limit entry
- Restrict visitors if COVID-19 in surrounding communities
- Eliminate social visits
- Active screening
- Require staff handwashing upon entry; encourage visitor handwashing
- Set up remote communication channels for family
AHCA/NCAL Resources: www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus
- Memo and guidance and template letters for families and residents
- Screening tool to use for individuals entering the building
- Template statement and talking points for impacted and non-impacted facilities
- Guide on community plans for emergency
AHCA notes:
In an addition to the clinical component give some thought to the crisis communication plan.
- Communicate with staff, residents families, the public, the media and visitors – using specific facility related questions.
- Be frequent in the outreach – clear concise and avoid technical jargon
- Use a variety of communication channels – websites, press releases, phone calls, social and email
- Identify media spokesperson
Both DHCFA and AHCA can be helpful during crisis communication. If in need of assistance and if there is a need for professional help – AHCA has a relationship with a PR firm that could be helpful.