LTC Reporting Requirements for Outbreaks
During this busy time of year, with many family and friends coming in to visit residents, make sure you are following the guidelines for reporting any outbreaks to your LHJ and RCS.
WAC 246-101-010 Definitions within the notifiable condition’s regulations
- Definition (33) “Outbreak” means the occurrence of cases or suspected cases of a disease or condition in any area over a given period of time in excess of the expected number of cases.
- Council for Outbreak Response: Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens (CORHA) and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) guidance.
Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) Outbreak Definition
- ≥1 facility-acquired COVID-19 case in a resident
- ≥3 suspect, probable or confirmed COVID-19 case in HCP with epi-linkage AND no other more likely sources of exposure for at least 1 of the cases
- Interim COVID-19 Outbreak Definition for Healthcare Settings
Department of Health (DOH) guidance dated 09-14-22 asks providers to use the 2020 CSTE Outbreak Definition.
Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) Outbreak Definition
- ≥1 facility-acquired COVID-19 case in a resident
- Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in Long Term Care Facilities
DOH Guidance-
Long term care facilities are required to report all suspected and confirmed outbreaks to their local health jurisdiction (LHJ) per Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-101-305. LTCFs are required to report the following:
- A sudden increase in acute febrile respiratory illness* over the normal background rate (e.g., 2 or more cases of acute respiratory illness occurring within 72 hours of each other) OR
- Any resident who tests positive for influenza.
Questions?
Contact:
Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804