MDH long-term care monthly COVID-19 conference call update
By Patti Cullen, CAE | April 14, 2023 | All members
On Wednesday, April 5, 2023, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) held their long-term care COVID-19 call. While they have changed the frequency of their calls to every other month, they will be adding in a May 10, 2023, call to their cadence, which is the day before the federal public health emergency ends, and where they expect some changes in infection control guidance.
Register for this additional call here.
A few highlights from the most recent MDH call:
- The inconsistent use of masking depending on healthcare settings was discussed at some length, noting that some hospital and healthcare systems are publicly announcing a pause in the masking requirements; MDH conducted a separate call for hospital systems on April 6 to remind them that their infection control programs must demonstrate adherence to nationally recognized infection prevention and control guidelines; MDH staff may come on site at hospitals if there are complaints, and hospitals will be subject to citation if they can’t show how they will be meeting these standards
- Nursing facilities were reminded they are still required to follow the CDC infection control guidelines (which will likely be amended but not until the end of the public health emergency in mid-May):
- MN-OSHA presented on respiratory protections for the healthcare workforce; reminded the group of the PPE source control grid
- Minnesota OSHA Compliance: Worksite complaints and investigations, OSHA standards, report serious injuries or work-related fatalities, etc.; call: 651-284-5050 or 877-470-6742; after hours and weekends, call: 800-321-6742 to report an accident, fatality, or serious injury; email: osha.compliance@state.mn.us
- Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation: Free assistance and on-site safety and health consultations, safety grants, etc.; call: 651-284-5060 or 800-657-3776; email: osha.consultation@state.mn.us
- Regional healthcare coalitions continue to have money to do fit-testing of N-95s through May 2024; they are also able to help providers with respiratory protection plans; visit the “Fit Testing: Respiratory Protection” page on the MDH site; find your regional healthcare coordinator here
- CUE tests still available—request CUE test kits or readers here
- To request a ICAR visit, email: Health.icar@state.mn.us
- COVID-19 case managers (CCM) are still available to assist with any COVID-19 related questions; to reach your CCM, email the CCM inbox: health.icar-ccm.mdh@state.mn.us
Patti Cullen, CAE | President/CEO |
pcullen@careproviders.org | 952-851-2487