Individual ProviderOne COVID-19 Information

Updated Home Health/Home Care Guidance

The Department of Health's COVID-19 Home Health/Home Care Guidance has been updated and translated into 13 languages. The document provides guidance for staff of home care, home health and hospice agencies to use when helping patients around the house or with personal or clinical care.

The document is now available in Amharic, Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, English, Spanish, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Samoan, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. All versions of the document are available on ALTSA's COVID-19 Provider Information page.

Guide for Individual Providers

The services provided by Individual Providers (IPs) contracted with DSHS are vital to ensure clients live the lives they want and receive the care they need to remain in the community. 
The work performed by IPs is considered essential under the Governor's Proclamation 20-25. To meet the mandates of the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, DSHS is providing information to IPs about ways they can continue to meet client needs and reduce close contact as much as possible. See the Guide for Individual Providers for more information.

Additional Resource Information can be found at these links:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

COVID-19 has strained the supply of PPE - pay close attention to our "Provider/Administrator Letters" for official guidance. Refer procedural questions to your local health department.

Conservation and Re-Use of PPE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published strategies for the conservation of PPE. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a checklist specific to the conservation of N95 respirators. This ALTSA Flyer discusses the conservation of PPE, re-use of PPE and alternatives when facing a shortage.

Use of Cloth Face Coverings - Residents and Clients

The CDC recommends the adoption of cloth face coverings by long-term care residents when in the presence of others, even if no symptoms are present. The effectiveness of cloth face coverings relies upon the proper use and sanitation of the covering. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) further recommend that residents cover the nose and mouth when staff enter their room, whether by mask or tissue.

Use of Cloth Face Coverings - Professional Use in Care Settings

The CDC recommends staff adoption of facemasks or cloth face coverings within care facilities at all times. Facemasks are generally preferred over cloth face coverings for healthcare personnel as facemasks offer both source control and protection for the wearer against exposure to splashes and sprays of infectious material. Cloth face coverings are not PPE. They are no substitute for proper distancing and hygiene practices. Cloth face coverings should NOT be worn instead of a respirator or facemask if more than source control is required. Cloth face coverings are inadequate for direct care of patients with positive or suspected cases of COVID-19; full PPE is required. 

Protocol for Donning (Putting On) and Doffing (Taking Off) PPE

The effectiveness of PPE depends on its proper use. Putting on or removing PPE inappropriately can negate its protective properties. Adhere to CDC guidelines for use of PPE and refer to CDC instructions for properly donning (video) and doffing (video) PPE.

Procurement of PPE through Local Health Departments

Your local health department will be an important partner in requesting and securing PPE.

PPE Procurement Guidance Updates:

Individual Providers, Home Care Agencies