Ebola Guidance for Home Care, Hospice and ACF Providers

The Department of Health (DOH) posted a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) for home care and hospice providers, as well as a DAL for Adult Care Facilities (ACFs).

To date, specific guidance has not been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for home care and hospice. DOH suggests that providers continue to monitor the CDC and DOH websites, as well as the Health Commerce System for updated information.

DOH addressed the following questions in the DAL:

• How can my agency receive the most current information on EVD?
• What actions should be taken for agency personnel who have traveled to West Africa?
• Do I need to make changes to my infection control policies to handle EVD?
• Should my agency be screening patients upon admissions?
• What actions related to EVD should agency personnel be taking when providing services to patients in their homes?
• Where can I direct my questions about EVD?

DOH will schedule a conference call for home care and hospice providers within the coming weeks. LeadingAge NY will notify members when that information becomes available.

The ACF DAL provides some general information about Ebola and guidance if infection is suspected; as well as sign to post asking visitors that are at risk and show symptoms not to visit, and contact the local health department.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871 or Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828