What to Do if a Patient or Staff Member Tests Positive | APMA

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What to Do if a Patient or Staff Member Tests Positive

What To Do If Someone (Patient or Staff) Tests Positive

Patient:
- The CDC provides considerations for seeing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. (It is recommendation #2 about halfway down the page.)
- If hospitalization for COVID-19 is not medically necessary, consider providing home care if the individual's situation allows.
- The CDC also provides advice regarding outpatient and ambulatory care practices.
- There are helpful Frequently Asked Questions from the CDC regarding Infection Control, including the question, "How long does an examination room need to remain vacant after being occupied by a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19?"
Staff:
- Health-care personnel with suspected COVID-19 should be prioritized for testing.
- The CDC provides additional information regarding risk assessment and work restrictions for health-care personnel with potential exposure to COVID-19, and criteria for return to work for health-care personnel with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- OSHA also has recommendations of mandatory safety and health standards that are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.
- The IRS provides information on COVID-19-related tax credits for paid sick and paid family leave and on how to claim the credits.
- The Department of Labor provides guidance on expanded employer paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and “Health Care Provider” exemption.
General information:
- The EPA provides information on safe disinfectant use.
- The EPA provides recommended cleaning chemicals.
- Consider offering non-face-to-face services to limit traffic in your office.

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