03/18/2020

CASA COVID-19 Resources - 3.18.2020

The updates and response to COVID-19 rapidly change each day.  As you are responding to the needs of your patients, ASC and community, we are working to provide you with resources to assist you in navigating the pandemic response.

Additional guidance has been provided by national bodies to assist in the determination of elective vs. urgent elective.  As your governing body implements your policy and protocol, these are available for reference.

American College of Surgeons COVID-19: Guidance for Triage of Non-Emergent Surgical Procedures

Joint GI society message: COVID-19 clinical insights for our community of gastroenterologists and gastroenterology care providers

California Society of Anesthesiologists

ASCA COVID-19: Guidance for ASCs on Necessary Surgeries

CASA is in communication with government officials and the California Department of Public Health.  As we receive communications we will update out members.

 CASA & ASCA Consensus response on COVID-19 

All ASCs should adopt the following:

1. It is imperative that all ASCs are coordinating with their local department of public health.  This will assure you receive  the latest information and recommendations in your area. 
   
   
2. Implement CDC guidance and stay up to date by visiting the critical contacts websites
   • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
   • California Department of Public Health.  
   • CDC – Information for Healthcare Providers – COVID-19
   • CMS Current Emergency Portal
   • Generic Protocol Template
     
     
3. Implement rigorous screening for patients and visitors prior to entering the facility.
   • General Protocol Template
   • Screening Decision Tree
     
     
4. Maintain a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors, including adherence to social distancing recommendations.
   
   
5. Implement enhanced cleaning as directed by CDC guidelines
   • CDC Clean & Disinfection Guidance: Interim Recommendations for US Households with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019
   • OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
   • OSHA COVID-19 Control and Prevention
   • EPA List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2
     
     
6. As hospitals are implementing their disaster operations, ASCs should be responding likewise and coordinating their plan in conjunction with their local emergency medical response. If you need guidance with policies and a comprehensive emergency plan see the resources listed below.
   • Emergency Operations Plan 
   • Sample Emerging Infectious Disease Policy
   • Sample Health Hazard Assessment And Prioritization Instrument 
   • COVID-19 Drill Kit
     
     
7. As you implement your emergency plan, your governing body should work together to address a policy on:
   1. Follow the guidance from recognized bodies in determining elective vs elective/urgent surgical procedures. 
   2. Assessing and optimizing patients’ medical and social risk factors for planned surgeries, and postponing cases where indicated,

Additional Tools and Consideration

Signs and Posters

• COVID-19 Precautions Poster 1 
• COVID-19 Precautions Poster 2
• Stop the Spread of Germs
• Share the Facts
• CDC Cover Your Cough
• How To Hand Wash Poster

Economic Issues

• SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Corona Virus
• SBA COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
• Reduced Work Hours / Unemployment 
• CA Chamber Corona Virus Resource Page
• SBA Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses