Mask Policy & Covid Protocol
MASKS
Periscope does not mandate wearing of masks; rather the wearing of masks is based upon CDC recommendations, healthcare facility requirement, the preference of the health plan member, and your choice/health status.
• The CDC provides geographical based recommendations on the use of masks. A searchable state and county COVID-19 Community Levels lookup is available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/preventgetting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
• Health care facilities may or may not require the wearing of masks and you are expected to abide by the facility’s requirement when assessing a member who resides in a facility.
• When calling to schedule, and/or upon meeting the member, it is the member’s right to decide whether you do wear a mask. Ask the member’s preference and wear a mask if they request. If the member indicates you do not have to wear a mask, then it is your choice whether to wear or not wear a mask.
• The wearing of a mask to protect yourself at an assessment is your choice. If you do not feel well, follow the instructions outlined below of how to document your situation and inability to accept the request, or need to pass off the request in the Activity section of the member’s chart.
COVID
We take your health and safety seriously and want you to be aware of the steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other flu viruses. Knowledge, not fear, is the key to remaining aware and healthy. Thank you in advance for taking the necessary steps and precautions regarding this public health issue.
Familiarize yourself with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) below.
Do not perform an in-person assessment if you experience any symptoms indicative of any illness. This is for everyone’s protection. If you receive a request and you do not feel well, document your situation and inability to accept the request in the Activity section of the member’s chart. This will allow Admin to assign the request to another therapist and alert the health plan for alternatives if necessary. If you test positive for SARS-CoV-2, follow the protocol presented on page 4.
When you call to schedule an assessment visit:
1. Politely inquire if the member or any household member, or person to be present during the assessment has fever/flu-like symptoms or cough.
2. If the member is ill or if you are uncertain about scheduling the visit, in the scheduling section of the member’s chart, select “Member can’t/won’t schedule” as Reason, and “Other” in Detail.
3. Then document the communication and concern. This would be the same process when a facility or day program will not allow you to enter. Hence it is imperative you inquire beforehand from the facility or program whether you will be allowed to enter. The screen shot below provides an example for both scenarios
4. Explain to the member you will abide by CDC precautions during the visit.
5. Ask if member is agreeable with the in-home assessment with precautions to be taken. If member declines visit, document (in the same manner as above) the member declined despite explanation precautions would be taken.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
The best way to prevent COVID-19 illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases to include:
– Avoid close contact (no less than 6 feet) from one another
– Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
– Wash your hands often
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
– Stay home when you are sick.
– Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using soap and water prior to disinfection with household disinfectants.
With Regard to Vaccination
Periscope does not mandate vaccination. The CDC website below provides guidance regarding what precautions change and do not change after one is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html
With Regard to Using a Facemask:
The use of masks helps slow the spread of COVID-19. Please refer to the beginning of this document and the CDC link below to familiarize yourself on mask considerations, such as selection, wearing, making, storing, and washing.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
With Regard to Hand Washing:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Please refer to the CDC link below to familiarize yourself on hand washing technique. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
With regard to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test:
If you test positive for the Covid virus:
• Notify Admin by email (admin@periscope365.com) as soon as possible so that assignments in your queue can be reassigned.
• In the email to Admin, describe the precautions taken during any recent visit(s) made (e.g., you wore N95 mask, social distanced, member wore/did not wear mask, etc.).
• Contact the member(s) with whom you have had an interaction within the last two days before developing symptoms, or the Covid testing date, and encourage the member to get tested or to contact their physician with concerns. Per the CDC and World Health Organization, an infected person can spread COVID-19 starting from 48 hours before the person has any symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.1 , 2
• Notify Admin by email that you contacted the member(s).
• Follow up with your physician and/or CDC guidelines regarding quarantine, isolation, treatment.
• Notify Admin by email when you can resume accepting assignments
1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/contact-tracing.html
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-how-is-it-transmitted
