During the last couple of weeks, Connecticut nursing homes have been experiencing a resurgence of the Coronavirus. Evidence of the surge is noted by both an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in facilities across the state.
One nursing home CEO described the difficulty that nursing homes have in controlling and keeping the virus out by saying, “Clearly with the nature of this virus, you can be positive, you can be infectious, but you can have no symptoms, you can be asymptomatic.” He also indicated that it would be helpful if rapid testing at the local level could be provided by the state.
Controlling the spread of the virus is more difficult with staff members than with visitors because visitor screening is conducted in a tent outside of the building.
Connecticut lawmakers along with healthcare providers are looking at areas where things went wrong in the spring to develop recommendations for ensuring a safer environment within nursing homes.
Compliance Perspective
Issue: Due to the reopening of facilities in allowing visitors, and the ongoing threat to residents posed by COVID-19, facilities must continue to ensure that the guidelines provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are still being strictly followed. Failure to maintain these compliance guidelines may place residents in jeopardy for serious harm.
Discussion Points:
- Review policies and procedures to ensure ongoing measures for infection control are being followed and that staff members are being tested to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus in case they are infected but not displaying any symptoms.
- Train staff regarding the importance of controlling the spread of the Coronavirus within their families and to be diligent in hand hygiene and the wearing of PPE.
- Periodically audit to ensure that staff members are being tested for COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the virus due to their being asymptomatic and exposing residents and other staff members to the disease. Monitor for consistent correct use of PPE and hand hygiene measures.
