CDC has updated the guidance for Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes, and states that nursing homes should Implement a respiratory protection program that is compliant with the OSHA respiratory protection standard for employees if not already in place. They suggest the program should include medical evaluations, training, and N95 fit testing.

LeadingAge WA discussed this on the North District call with NWHRN on Friday, June 26^th.  We brought it up Monday on the Washington State Hospital Association call and have asked the hospital systems to help long term care get this fit testing completed before fall. We are also working with Dept of Health to try to get this completed as soon as possible. As of right now, this is only a CDC recommendation.  We know CMS and OSHA have temporarily waived the requirement for fit testing, and we realize that OSHA rules are enforced differently by each state.  There are private companies that do N95 fit testing, however we have heard they are booked for appointments.  We would urge you to start having this discussion in your hospital coordination meetings, LeadingAge WA will continue to discuss this with Dept of Health and will continue to bring it up in the NWHRN and WSHA meetings. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

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