You will have until May 1 to have all of your policies updated to match the new guidance.  We have been told by Amy Abbott, Director of Residential Care Services, RCS staff have been directed not to cite providers with policies that don’t match their observations until after that date (i.e. no one is wearing a mask and the home verifies verbally they no longer require masking but the policies outline a mask requirement).  After May 1, the expectation will be the policies and practice in the home will match.

Both RCS and ALTSA have sent out an internal memo indicating their staff will continue to wear masks when they are in long-term care (LTC) settings.  Because they visit a number of homes, this is good infection control practice for the protection of both ALTSA staff and the residents and staff of the homes they visit.  They will reassess this requirement after 2 months.  Please note, they have indicated RCS and ALTSA staff may remove the mask if they are in well-defined areas that are restricted from resident/client access (e.g., staff meeting rooms).  They must keep the door closed when in this space with the mask off and they must don a mask when LTC setting staff enter or are interviewed in the room.

Read full letter here.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804