06/16/2022

ODH confirms “up-to-date” survey protocol

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) confirms they will not issue citations for facilities that are not quarantining residents who have not received their second booster. Additionally, ODH will not issue citations to facilities that are not routinely testing staff that have not received their second booster. ODH reminds facilities they should be working towards booster compliance as outlined in the CDC’s up to date guidance. ODH stated they would change this direction when CMS requires them to issue citations. LeadingAge Ohio reminds members to review the definition of up to date as listed in the CDC guidance and the CMS QSO-20-30-NH testing memo.

ODH confirmed that when a facility is isolating in place for a COVID-19 positive resident, the door to their room should be closed but does not require a plastic barrier. ODH also confirmed that staff members only need to wear an N95 mask, along with the rest of their PPE, before entering that room. If the facility is not quarantining an entire isolation unit, then staff should wear a procedure mask when in the hallway and would only need to change from the procedure mask to the N95 before entering the COVID positive resident’s room.

ODH sent out additional guidance on the temporary nurse aide waiver in an EIDC bulletin today (article available in Nursing Facility News). Director McElroy stated that a notice would go out this week for a new webinar tentatively scheduled for next week that will have updates regarding testing.