Oregon Department of Human Services OHA-PHD In-Home Care Guidance for Caring for COVID-19 Exposed or Positive Clients

Oregon Department of Human Services sent this bulletin at 01/21/2021 09:35 AM PST

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You are subscribed to OHA-PHD In-Home Care for Oregon Department of Human Services. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.

 

To:             Oregon In-Home Care Agencies

From:         Health Facility Licensing and Certification (HFLC)
                  In-Home Care Agency (IHCA) program

RE:            In-home care agency guidance for caring for COVID-19 exposed or
                  positive clients

The purpose of this memo is to address providing care for clients who have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID-19.

An agency cannot suspend service or terminate a client because the client tests positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Agency caregivers should be provided the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to continue to provide services for positive or exposed clients.

Agency termination of client service requirements are listed in OAR 333-536-0060(1)(m). Any termination of client services by the agency that does not meet with the rule standards may result in a finding of non-compliance. In addition, OHA will refer non-compliance to

  • The Oregon Department of Human Services for clients who are served under a contract; and
  • The Oregon State Board of Nursing if there are issues related to delegated nursing procedures or abandonment of care.

OHA will also include questions related to continuation of care for clients who have been exposed to or have tested positive for COVID-19 during both routine surveys and complaint investigations.

Please consult CDC and CMS guidance on caring for COVID-19 positive clients at home:

This memo is also available at www.healthoregon.org/hflc.

 

If you have any questions please email the IHC survey team at mailbox.hclc@state.or.us.