PIN 22-28-ASC
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
The document is ready to print
Click below to print the document in a new window. When finished, you can return to this tab to continue.
Print PDF
[customised-link]
Clearpol's Opinion of this Guidance as of 09/26/2022
PIN 22-28-ASC
Has best practices for visitation related to COVID-19 as a result of the State PHO 9/15/22 which rescinded the State PHO 2/11/22 and the Statewide Waiver of Licensing Standards for Visitation in PIN 22-07-ASC.
CDSS has rescinded PIN-22-07-ASC and its visitation waiver, testing and vaccine verification guidance for visitors to Adult and Senior Care Program Residential Licensees.
While no longer required, continue to offer testing for visitors in accordance with CDPH or LHD recommendations and have the ability to ramp up testing if it is again required in the future.
Visitors must continue to comply with CDPH masking guidance while visiting in indoor settings and continue to maintain all current IP practices.
Licensees must continue to follow guidance in all applicable PINS and from CDC, CDPH, DIR/Cal/ISHA and LHDs. Follow the strictest requirements if differing or contact the regional office to reconcile differences especially if these appear to be in conflict with the best interest of residents.
BEST PRACTICES FOR VISITATION
Screening Protocols
• Designate a facility staff member to conduct initial screening for COVID-19 symptoms of all individuals entering the facility.
• Ask visitors if they have had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 24 hours and whether anyone in the individual’s home has COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive.
• Exclude any visitors showing COVID-19 symptoms. Discard items that cannot be disinfected or have the symptomatic individual take their items with them
Masking and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• A well-fitting face mask is required for visitors at all times in indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status per CDPH Masking Guidance. Masks are encouraged for visitors while outdoors where they are around others, including the resident they are visiting. Surgical masks, double masks, or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with a good fit are highly recommended.
• Residents are not required to wear a face mask while at the facility, but licensees should encourage residents to wear a face mask (a well-fitting surgical mask or double mask is recommended) in indoor communal settings, regardless of their vaccination status. Licensees should also encourage unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated residents to wear a face mask when outdoors and around others.
• Visitors of residents under quarantine should be provided and encouraged to don PPE (i.e., gloves, gown, eye protection and N95 respirator) and instructed in an N95 respirator seal check.
• For residents in isolation, the licensee should provide and require the visitor to wear PPE recommended for facility staff. A visitor of a resident under isolation does not need N95 respirator fit testing, but should be instructed on how to perform a seal check.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
• Designate handwashing stations for visitors or provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer for visitor use.
• Have visitors wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entering the facility.
• Encourage respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (e.g., covering mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing) in the event an individual develops respiratory symptoms while visiting the facility.
Ventilation and Air Quality
• Increase ventilation or circulation of fresh air as much as possible (e.g., open windows, use fans pointing towards the window/outside, etc.).
o Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to residents, staff, and visitors using the facility.
Cleaning and Disinfection
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the facility often and visitation areas after each visit.
• Staff should use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectant (e.g., wipe) from List N when wiping down high-touch surfaces (e.g., light switch, doorknob, bedside table) before leaving the room.
Communal Dining
• Visitors shall be allowed to remove their face mask while actively eating or drinking and must wear a well-fitting face mask while indoors at all other times.
• Staff should clean and disinfect surfaces after each visit in the communal dining area.
Educating Visitors
• Send letters or emails to families and post signs at entrances reminding them of the importance of remaining up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
• Post signage at entrances and throughout the facility outlining proper mask wearing and hand hygiene.
• Educate visitors on how to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.
Clearpol Inc. does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy of the opinions provided on our platform. Please use your own judgement.
What's next?
Compare Guidelines
Highlight changes, additions, and deletions in different versions of regulations.
What's next?
Regulatory Alert
Stay on top of ever-changing regulations and guidance.
Be aware of everything happening in compliance af Federal, State and local levels.
Get instant alerts as guidance is released.
Set up Alerts ➜What's next?
Expert Advice & Opinion
Our experts analyze guidance regarding LTC facilities in real-time to help you make sense of it all and stay compliant.