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03/20/2020

CASA ASC COVID-19 Resources 3.19.2020

Need ASCs to complete inventory survey as soon as possible

CASA COVID-19 Resources - 3.19.2020

Important ASC Survey Information-Need All CASA ASC's Participation

The updates and response to COVID-19 rapidly change each day.  As you are responding to the needs of your patients, ASC and community, we are working to provide you with resources to assist you in navigating the pandemic response.

By now, ASCs should have implemented the steps in the action plan below, including the protocol to prioritize urgent elective surgeries and postpone all others where indicated.  New guidelines have been added from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AA0).

As California enters the next phase of the COVID-19 outbreak, the California Medical Association (CMA) and California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) are urging physicians and health care policy makers to urgently redeploy resources to meet the coming increase in demand for health care services.

CASA and CMA are working to take inventory of ventilation equipment in these facilities that may be able to be redeployed to hospitals and other facilities dealing with COVID-19 patients. The two medical provider groups are also asking centers to offer an inventory of their personal protection equipment like masks and gloves that may also be redeployed in the short term.

We are asking all of our members to complete the survey as soon as possible.  If you have questions, please reach out to CASA Executive Director Beth LaBouyer at blabouyer@casurgery.org or 530.790.7990.

CASA/CMA Press Release
ASC Inventory Survey

If you haven't been contacted already by your local hospital or local emergency response coordinator, you should reach out regarding your ASC's number of anesthesia machines and the ability to provide temporary emergency ventilation, and the capacity to provide services not typically provided in the ASC environment,   This information will be vital, particularly for counties with large outbreaks or limited resources.

Additional Updates

The State of California has launched a New Comprehensive, Consumer-Friendly Website and Public Service Announcements to Boost COVID-19 Awareness.

CASA and the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) are in communication with government officials and the California Department of Public Health.  As we receive communications we will update our members.

ASCA COVID-19 Resource Page

ASCA Free COVID-19 Webinar

CASA & ASCA Consensus response on COVID-19 

ASC Covid-19 Action Plan

All ASCs should adopt the following:

  1. It is imperative that all ASCs are coordinating with their local department of public health.  This will assure you receive  the latest information and recommendations in your area. 

  2. Implement CDC guidance and stay up to date by visiting the critical contacts websites.
  3. Implement rigorous screening for patients and visitors prior to entering the facility.
  4. Maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors, including adherence to social distancing recommendations.

  5. Implement enhanced cleaning as directed by CDC guidelines.
  6. As hospitals are implementing their disaster operations, ASCs should be responding likewise and coordinating their plan in conjunction with their local emergency medical response. If you need guidance with policies and a comprehensive emergency plan see the resources listed below.
  7. As you implement your emergency plan, your governing body should work together to address a policy on prioritizing elective vs urgent elective surgical procedures.

Additional Tools and Consideration

Signs and Posters

Economic Issues

 

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