Policies and Procedures: Policies, Procedures, and Compliance
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eview policies and procedures to ensure they are up to date and implemented.
Check your infection control practices and update them for any changes from CDC guidelines that need to be implemented to meet COVID-19 needs. If you are in a renewal status or are a new company that is in the process of accreditation or reaccreditation, ensure that you are survey-ready so that when travel is safe you are first in line for survey.
Review your infection prevention and control policies and CDC infection control recommendations for COVID-19 for: Assessment and triage of patients with acute respiratory symptoms Patient placement Implementation of standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including:
Check with your state agencies for specific state guidance regarding practices for COVID-19.
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Use of eye protection
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Visitor management and exclusion
Follow safe social distancing within the office and with customers. Frequent handwashing, wear masks, maintain six-foot distances, and complete regular disinfection of your business.
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Source control measures for patients (e.g., put facemask on suspect patients)
Under Emergency/Disaster preparedness, document details regarding plan of action that took place during the pandemic •
Store hours
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Accommodating work from home for employees
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Working with referrals
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Setting up new patients with equipment
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Assisting recurring patients with equipment/ supplies
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Track any equipment that was lost, damaged, or destroyed due to pandemic
COVID-19: VGM’s Next Steps Guide
Be alert for patients who meet the persons under investigation (PUI) definition here: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html. Know how to report a potential COVID-19 case or exposure to facility infection control leads and public health officials. Know who, when, and how to seek evaluation by occupational health following an unprotected exposure (e.g., not wearing recommended PPE) to a suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease patient.
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