As the healthcare community prepares and responds to COVID-19, ASCs need to assure they are addressing the outbreak through their infection control practices. Now would be the time to update your infection prevention and hazard vulnerability risk assessments. You may also want to review other policies and procedures related to an Emerging Infectious Disease.
A component that may be new to ASCs, is the inclusion of a policy addressing emerging infectious diseases. This policy should be included in your infection control plan and/or in your emergency operations plan. CMS has recently begun requesting to review this document during survey.
In addition to the many other infection control resources available to our CASA members, we have recently added a sample emerging infectious disease policy. We have also provided sample poster communications you can utilize. We encourage you to be in contact with your local Department of Public Health for the latest information and recommendations in your area and also follow the guidelines and resources available at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health.
Sample Emerging Infectious Disease Policy
Sample Health Hazard Assessment And Prioritization Instrument