Covid, Now.

As Covid numbers continue to climb again, practices of all sizes are faced with new challenges. Just last month, President Joe Biden asked the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to mandate vaccinations at companies that have more than 100 employees. That larger-employer designation applies to over two-thirds of people employed in the U.S.

To help keep up to date on the ever-changing road map for following new mandates and expert advice, here are some Covid-related recommendations from several respected sources.

PRACTICE POLICIES

How do you handle time off for vaccinations, whether initial doses or follow-up? In late April, Biden called on all employers to provide PTO for employees to get vaccinated. How much time? Harvard suggests four hours PTO per dose.

Screening of patients and customers remains an OSHA priority as well. According to the American Optometric Association, screening is defined as “asking questions to determine whether a person is Covid-19 positive or has symptoms of Covid-19 (e.g., Is experiencing recent loss of taste and/or smell with no other explanation; or is experiencing both fever, ≥100.4° F, and new unexplained cough associated with shortness of breath).”

OSHA STANDARDS

In response to the ever-evolving Covid situation, OSHA continues to update standards and recommendations on a regular basis.

In June, it did in fact release a set of new standards. They were developed by a presidential executive order and apply to all health care facilities that include optometric offices. Referred to as OSHA Subpart U, this Emergency Temporary Standard, which became effective June 21, recommends:

➤ SCREENING. Continued screening of ALL nonemployees before entry. If you chose not to, you are required to have a detailed plan in place re: employee training, hazard assessment, and more. This is required even if all staff members have been vaccinated.

➤ SIZE. According to OSHA, “For facilities with 10 or more employees (including the doctors), the Covid Plan must be put in writing.”

Source: OSHA FAQ 6-17-21

➤ STEPS. Start by designating a coordinator in your practice and continue to train employees. As stated in the standard, managers and owners are responsible for clearly communicating policies and educating the workforce. The latter is referred to as “a critical part of your responsibility.”

POLICIES + PROCEDURES

➤ POLICIES. Develop a workplace hazard assessment and policies and procedures to minimize the risk of transmission of Covid.

➤ COORDINATION. Be sure to designate a coordinator who can then help train staff as necessary.

➤ CONTACT. Many practices now register both patients and visitors, including contact information and time in and out of the location. This is especially important should a patient or staff member come down with Covid.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: