Weekly Q&A

Q: FOR EHP: If residents are self-medicating one, many, or all their medications, what is the expectation of our EHP staff to conduct assessment(s) of their ability to self-medicate? Is there a difference in expectations depending on the number/kinds of medications? Or, is it left up to their provider to determine if they can self-medicate and if we notice anything glaringly wrong with a self-medicating resident, we would inform their physician?

A: EHP staff can “observe and monitor” and conduct “evaluations,” but cannot “conduct assessments.” That being said, they can observe and monitor according to the facility’s policy. The EHP regs do not get into detail on specific meds/type/number so it would be up to how the staff are educated and the policy that is developed. You would be responsible for keeping in contact with the resident’s physician and notifying them of any changes- so, it’s kind of a team effort and what you have in your policy.

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Q: FOR EHP: If a resident’s skin is excoriated in various places, with no open areas currently, but the physician wants us to monitor the excoriated skin for open areas that possibly develop while undergoing a treatment regimen, is that permissible for our EHP staff to do so long as the order is hyper-specific on what they need to look for and how to follow up?

A: EHP staff can observe and monitor with a doctor’s description- it would have to be very specific. The staff CANNOT in any way, shape or form assess the skin. They cannot measure, they cannot say “it looks like…” etc. – they can only observe and report back to the physician. Just ensure the physician is very specific, understands what your staff can/cannot do, and ensure they are not assessing.

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Q: Are ALPS/AH/ACFs still required per DOH regulation to have employees provide the daily attestation for COVID?

A: No, it is not required, however there are still postings and education that is required. Please click HERE for the last COVID Health Advisory from December 2023.

Here are some posters/print outs from the CDC that could be used (note: facilities can use their own postings, as well):

Symptoms of COVID-19 (cdc.gov)

cdc_cough.pdf

c airborne precautions final rev3 (cdc.gov)

ppe-sequence.pdf (cdc.gov)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Factsheet (cdc.gov)

DON’T DELAY: TEST SOON AND TREAT EARLY (cdc.gov)

CDC_COVID_Posters_GeneralAudience_06

10 things you can do to manage your COVID-19 symptoms at home – factsheet (cdc.gov)

fs-facemask-dos-donts.pdf (cdc.gov)

fs-respirator-on-off.pdf (cdc.gov)

Clean Hands – Restroom Poster – English – Print Only (cdc.gov)