As the spread of the Ebola virus is on the minds of all healthcare workers in the United States, ASCs should be prepared to answer the concerns of their employees, patients and have a plan in place. Yesterday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued the following AFL to California Hospitals.
We encourage all of our members to read the AFL and adopt the appropriate recommendations for their facilities. The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) has adopted screening procedures to be utilized in emergency and outpatient departments. The adoption of these screening procedures would allow for the prompt identification and triage of patients who require further evaluation.
Checklist for Patients Being Evaluated for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the United States
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Algorithm for Evaluation of the Returned Traveler
Detailed Hospital Checklist for Ebola Preparedness
ASCs should also communicate and work with their local health departments as this situation evolves.