DOH DAL Updates COVID-19 Infection Prevention Measures for Hospitals and Clinics

The Department of Health (DOH) released updated COVID-19 infection prevention guidance for hospitals and diagnostic and treatment centers (DTCs) on Oct. 24, 2022. Like recent guidance issued for nursing homes, the hospital and DTC Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) generally follows the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on infection prevention, with a few exceptions. Unlike the nursing home guidance, the hospital and DTC guidance also follows CDC guidance enabling asymptomatic exposed personnel to continue working. The nursing home guidance was silent on work restrictions for exposed personnel.

The following are some key highlights of the hospital and DTC DAL:

• Masks continue to be required in DOH-regulated health care settings for personnel and visitors age 2 and older and able to medically tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccination status.
• Facilities must continue active screening of staff, patients, and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19 at entry.
• Facility staff must be instructed to report any positive COVID-19 test, symptoms of COVID-19, and higher-risk exposures to COVID-19 to the point of contact designated by the facility.
• Anyone reporting even mild symptoms must be tested.
• Patients with close contact with COVID-19 should have a series of three tests – at least 24 hours after exposure, 48 hours after a negative test, and 48 hours after a second negative test.
• Testing is not recommended for 30 days after recovery from COVID-19. For days 31-90 after recovery, testing should be considered, but only an antigen test should be used.
• Guidance for work restrictions, including recommended testing for personnel with higher-risk exposures, are in the CDC Interim Guidance for Managing Healthcare Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Facilities should note that the CDC guidance does not require exclusion from work of asymptomatic personnel with higher-risk exposures, but does require a series of three COVID-19 tests after such an exposure.
• Facilities shall not restrict visitation without a reasonable clinical or safety concern.

Members that operate DTCs or engage hospital personnel in delivery of long term care services are encouraged to review the guidance in its entirety. LeadingAge NY will keep members updated as guidance evolves.

Contact: Karen Lipson, klipson@leadingageny.org