Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Educational Videos about Vaccination and the COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC and National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions:
- COVID-19 VACCINE: Get the Facts (No translation) New! February 17, 2021
- COVID-19 VACCINE: Get the Facts (Spanish translation) New! February 17, 2021
- The History of Vaccines (No translation) New! February 17, 2021
- The History of Vaccines (Spanish translation) New! February 17, 2021
- Trusting Vaccines (No translation) New! February 17, 2021
- Trusting Vaccines (Spanish translation) New! February 17, 2021
Resources related to personal protective equipment:
The Joint Commission statement on shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Face Mask Posters and Infographics
- Poster - Wear a Mask (black and white, printer friendly)
- Poster – Wear a Mask (color)
- Infographic – Do’s and Don’ts for Health Care Staff Wearing Face Masks
- Infographic – Aerosol Generating Procedures
Videos
Consistent with CDC recommendations as of March 24, 2020
- The Joint Commission: Removing (Doffing) a Disposable Gown and Gloves with Rationale
- Rush University Medical Center: Step by Step Donning and Doffing: Disposable Gown, Face Mask and Goggles
- Rush University Medical Center: Step by Step Donning and Doffing: Reusable Gown, N95 Respirator, Goggles or Face Shield
Note:
As of March 24, 2020, CDC recommends:
- Contact Plus Droplet plus Eye Protection when providing routine care to known or suspected COVID-19 patients.
- Airborne Plus Droplet plus Eye Protection when performing aerosol generating procedures on known or suspected COVID-19 patients.
These videos provide an example using disposable gowns. It is essential that the instructions to employees take into account the specific PPE the facility is using (e.g., reusable versus disposable gown, N95, PAPR, or surgical mask, goggles, glasses with side shields, or faces mask ) being used as well as the physical layout (e.g., ante-room, no ante-room, multiple patient room) and how the organization is utilizing the PPE (e.g., single use, reuse, or extended use).
Combinations of PPE should be considered. For example, if practicing extended use of N95 respirators (recommended by NIOSH) the organization should consider using face shields that will protect the respirator from splashes or splatters and prevent staff from inadvertently touching surfaces of the respirator while in use.
FAQs
CDC Guidance on Managing Critical Shortages
CDC Guidance on Optimizing the Supply of PPE During Shortages
- Summary Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE during Shortages
CDC Guidance on Cloth Face Coverings
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
FDA Guidance on Managing Critical Shortages
- Conservation of Gloves
- Surgical Mask and Gown Conservation Strategies - Letter to Healthcare Providers
Note: In reviewing FDA guidance on strategies to conserve gloves, you need to know what type of gloves you use in your facility (e.g., latex, vinyl and nitrile). It is safe to use alcohol-based hand rub on latex and nitrile gloves. But the FDA states that alcohol is not recommended for cleaning vinyl gloves because it may degrade them.
ECRI – Hazard Report
- Link to request ECRI’s Hazard Report: Use of Imported N95-Style Masks, without NIOSH Certification or Independent Lab Validation, may put healthcare workers and patients at risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic
OSHA – Temporary Enforcement Guidance for Initial and Annual Fit-testing Requirements
Recommendations for PPE Conservation and Management
- JAMA: Sourcing Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Disinfection/Decontamination of Masks and Respirators
- Can single use respirators be decontaminated? Read FAQ
Note: Agencies, such as States, the CDC, FDA and other stakeholders, including safety organizations, have provided guidance on this practice. The resources below are listed as a service. The Joint Commission does not endorse any specific method or product.
UV Light Disinfection
- University of Nebraska UVGI Process for Decontamination and Reuse
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide
- Duke Occupational and Environmental Safety Office: Webinar N95 Decontamination Process
- Battelle Method (EUA approval)
- The Battelle CCDS Critical Care Decontamination System
Low Temperature Sterilization
- STERRAD (Fact Sheet on Emergency Use)
- STERIS Decontamination Solutions for Compatible N95 or N95-equivalent Respirators
- STERRAD Decontaminating Compatible N95 Respirators: Instructions For Use & Fact Sheet
Overview of Decontamination Processes
- N95Decon
- FDA: Revised authorizations for which respirators can be decontaminated for reuse - FDA determined that available information does not support the decontamination of some respirators manufactured in China. FDA also no longer authorizes the decontamination or reuse of respirators that have exhalation valves.
Guidance related to ventilators:
There are intensive efforts underway across the country to try to ensure that the supply of ventilators in the U.S. will be adequate to meet the needs of all COVID-19 patients requiring one. Healthcare leaders and clinical directors should review the FDA’s guidance and the other resources below on mitigation strategies when facing ventilator shortages.
If Shortages Occur Despite Mitigation Strategies
Even with these mitigation strategies, the possibility remains that shortages will occur, and clinicians and healthcare leaders will face the decision of whether to place two patients with COVID-19 on a single ventilator. Experts have differing opinions about whether ventilator sharing can be done safely and effectively. The Joint Commission does not endorse any position because there is not sufficient evidence to guide us. In such situations, we usually remain silent, but we think it is important to provide resources for those who might be facing this difficult decision.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine, in partnership with several other organizations, advises clinicians to not attempt to share mechanical ventilators because it cannot be done safely: “Attempting to ventilate multiple patients with COVID-19…could lead to poor outcomes and high mortality rates for all patients cohorted. …it is better to purpose the ventilator to the patient most likely to benefit than fail to prevent, or even cause, the demise of multiple patients” (March 2020).
However, SCCM’s Mechanical Ventilator Strategies page also included a section labeled “When You’re Out of Options” which provided links to resources for mechanically ventilating two patients with a single ventilator in crisis situations.
Other organizations have drawn different conclusions and have provided advice on how to set up systems to share ventilators in March/April 2020:
- ECRI: Video on setting up mechanical ventilator sharing
- FEMA: Co-Ventilating Patients During a Critical Ventilator Shortage
- Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA)/NY Presbyterian: Ventilator Sharing Protocol (version 3)
More recently, the FDA released a letter to Health Care Providers in February 2021, containing the following text and a link to the most current version of the GNYHA/NY Presbyterian Ventilator Sharing Protocol (version 6):
- FDA: Using Ventilator Splitters During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Letter to Health Care Providers New! February 17, 2021
The FDA is informing health care providers and health care facilities about up-to-date information concerning multiplexing ventilator tubing connectors, also known as ventilator splitters, in situations in which no alternatives for invasive ventilatory support are available. Although the FDA has not received any adverse event reports related to the use of ventilator splitters authorized for emergency use during the COVID-19 pandemic, recent literature describes risks that may be associated with using certain ventilator splitters. After considering this recent literature, the FDA is informing health care providers and health care facilities that the literature indicates that certain features are associated with better performance.
High Flow Nasal Oxygen
- Some patients can be effectively managed on nasal oxygen including high flow, but the risk of aerosolization should be considered and managed. The use of high‐flow nasal oxygen in COVID‐19
- An FAQ from the ASA says that if patient oxygenation is not maintained on low-flow oxygen, higher oxygen flows may be unexpectedly needed that might increase aerosolization of COVID-containing respiratory secretions. Each patient will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to consider the balance of aerosolization at the oxygen flow needed to maintain a satisfactory oxygen saturation, and whether to convert to a more closed airway system (LMA or ETT). How should I deliver supplemental O2 to a patient who is wearing a mask and who has or may have COVID-19? (View under Clinical Care section)
FDA Guidance
Other Guidance
- ECRI: Using Anesthesia Units for Patient Ventilators Webinar
- ECRI: Safety of Extended Use and Reuse of N95 Respirators
- ASA: Intubation in Covid-19 Patients
- ASA/APSF: Guidance on Purposing Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators
- ASA: Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators Hotline 1-800-224-1001 — Note: The ASA has set up a staffed hotline to assist providers using anesthesia machines as ventilators.
- ASA: COVID Activated Emergency Scaling of Anesthesiology Responsibilities (CAESAR) ICU
- Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation: Use of Anesthesia Machines as ICU Ventilators
- Kaiser Permanente: How to Evaluate Medical Air/Oxygen Systems Ability to Support Additional Ventilators
Joint Commission FAQs
- Requirements for Granting Privileges During a Disaster
- Privileging Requirements When Providing Services via Telehealth Links During a Disaster
Joint Commission Quick Safety
Center for Connected Health Policy
- Telehealth & COVID-19: Includes CARE Act Updates & CMS Guidance
- Current State Laws and Reimbursement Policies
- COVID-19 Related State Action
- Full COVID-19 Resources
US Health and Human Services Resources
- Telehealth: Website for Patients and Providers on Using Telehealth
CMS Resources
Note: For resources regarding PPE, please see the PPE section. For resources regarding Telehealth, please see the Staffing and Telehealth section.
Joint Commission Webinars
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Ambulatory Health Care Settings
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- Example Infection Control Hazard Assessment Form
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Ambulatory Health Care with The Joint Commission New! February 12, 2021
- Additional Resources New! February 12, 2021
Joint Commission FAQs
- Use of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) as Alternative Inpatient Care Sites for Hospitals
- Public Health Recommendations to Prevent COVID-19 Spread from Community to Healthcare Facilities
- Locating CMS 1135 Waiver Information
- Ventilation System – COVID-19 Air Handler Maintenance
CDC Resources
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
- Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19
- Prepare to Care for COVID-19 – Practical Tools
- Framework for Healthcare Systems Providing Non-COVID-19 Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers who may have had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding — Note: Interim guidance on breastfeeding for a mother confirmed or under investigation for COVID- 19 can be found on the CDC website.
- Prison/Correctional Facility Resources
- CDC Updated Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control in Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response
CMS Resources
- Guidance for Infection Coronavirus Disease in Outpatient Setting: FAQs and Considerations
- CMS Non-Emergent, Elective Medical Services, and Treatment Recommendations
FDA Resources
- Managing drug shortages: FDA search tool for medication Extended Use Dates
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Other Resources
- National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ): COVID-19 Information for Children’s Health Advocates
- Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR): Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) COVID-19 Resources, Updates, Planning
- Ambulatory Surgery Center Association: COVID-19 Resource Center for Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Resources Specific to Re-opening/Continuing of Services
- CMS: Re-opening Facilities to Provide Non-emergent Non-COVID-19 Healthcare: Phase I
- American College of Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologist; Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, American Hospital Association — Joint Statement: Roadmap for Maintaining Elective Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic
- American Medical Association COVID-19: A Physician Practice Guide to Reopening
- American College of Surgeons: Local Resumption of Elective Surgery Guidance
Resources Specific to Secondary Disasters (e.g., Hurricanes)
- Healthcare System Preparedness for Secondary Disasters During COVID-19
Note: For resources regarding Telehealth, please see the Staffing and Telehealth section.
Joint Commission Webinars
- Preparing Behavioral Health Organizations for Coronavirus
- Preparing Behavioral Health Organizations for Coronavirus (oral presentation in Spanish), Preparación de organizaciones de salud mental para el coronavirus (la presentación oral esta en español)
In the following webinar, leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 waivers and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Behavioral Health Care with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A
FDA Resources
- Managing drug shortages: FDA search tool for medication Extended Use Dates
CMS Resources
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Other Resources
- The National Council for Behavioral Health: COVID-19
- COVID-19 Guidance for Behavioral Health Residential Facilities
- National Council for Behavioral Health: Best Practices for Telehealth During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Guidance
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH): COVID-19 / Potential Implications for Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Disaster Planning for Child Welfare Agencies
- A message from the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health: Coping with Coronavirus - Managing Stress, Fear and Anxiety
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): COVID-19 Resources
- National Center for PTSD: COVID-19 Resources
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
Note: For resources regarding PPE, please see the PPE section. For more resources regarding Telehealth, please see the Staffing and Telehealth section.
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, 1135 waivers and telehealth.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Home Care with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
Infographics
Joint Commission FAQs
- Home Ventilator Services – Availability of Non-invasive Ventilators (NIV)
- Managing Patient Care via Telehealth
- Locating CMS 1135 Waiver Information
CDC Resources
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
- Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization
- Goals and Strategies to Prepare for and Respond to Community Spread of COVID-19
- Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolki
Resources Specific to Hospice
- Hospice: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
- Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 by Hospice Agencies
Resources Specific to Pharmacy Infusion/Specialty/Ambulatory Infusion
Joint Commission FAQs
- Sterile Compounding – Considerations for Sterile Compounding During COVID-19 Pandemic
FDA Resources
- Managing drug shortages: FDA search tool for medication Extended Use Dates
Note: For resources regarding PPE, Ventilators and other relevant topics, please see the appropriate section on this webpage.
Joint Commission Webinars
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, life safety and 1135 waivers.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Hospitals with The Joint Commission
- Additional Resources
Disease-Specific Care Q&A Webinar
- COVID-19 Q&A for Disease-Specific Care Certification with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&As
Recommendations on Hospital Surge Capacity
- 5 key steps for finding extra hospital capacity
- Surge Hospitals: Providing Safe Care in Emergencies
- Emergency Management Healthcare Environment Checklist
- Use of Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) as Alternative Care Sites for Hospitals
Infographics
FDA Resources
- Managing drug shortages: FDA search tool for medication Extended Use Dates
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
Note: For resources regarding PPE, please see the PPE section.
Joint Commission FAQs
- Quality Control Testing for COVID-19 Tests
- Validation of COVID-19 Test
Joint Commission Webinars
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 Waivers, and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Laboratories with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
CDC Resources
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
- Division of Laboratory Systems (DLS) – Laboratory Outreach Communication Systems (LOCS)
- Information for Laboratories - Interim guidance and resources for laboratory professionals working with specimens from persons under investigation (PUI) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines
- Laboratory Biosafety FAQs
- CDC Guidance on Specimen Collection and Transport for COVID-19 Testing
- CDC Guidance on Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations
FDA Resources
CMS Resources
Note: For resources regarding PPE, please see the PPE section.
Joint Commission Webinars
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Nursing Care Centers
- Infection Control Focused Survey Tool for Nursing Homes
- 1135 Waivers for Long Term Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and/or Nursing Facilities
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 Waivers, and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Nursing Care Centers with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
PPE Videos
Consistent with CDC recommendations as of March 24, 2020
- The Joint Commission: Removing (Doffing) a Disposable Gown and Gloves with Rationale
- Rush University Medical Center: Step by Step Donning and Doffing: Disposable Gown, Face Mask and Goggles
- Rush University Medical Center: Step by Step Donning and Doffing: Reusable Gown, N95 Respirator, Goggles or Face Shield
Joint Commission FAQs
- Locating CMS 1135 Waiver Information
- Public Health Recommendations to Prevent COVID-19 Spread From Community to Healthcare Facilities
CDC Guidance
Note: CDC Updates infection prevention and control guidance during the COVID pandemic regularly. Please refer to this guidance in addition to the resources listed here. New! February 23, 2021
- COVID-19: Long-term Care Facilities and Nursing Homes
- Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages
- Testing Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Interim SARS-CoV-2 Testing Guidelines for Nursing Home Residents and Healthcare Personnel
CMS Guidance
- COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance
- CMS Memo: COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes
- NHSN COVID-19 Reporting Requirements for Nursing Homes
- Toolkit on State Actions to Mitigate COVID-19 Prevalence in Nursing Homes
FDA Resources
- Managing drug shortages: FDA search tool for medication Extended Use Dates
Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- CDC Healthcare Professionals: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- SHEA Statement for Healthcare Settings Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccination
- US Pharmacopeia COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit
Other Resources
- Leading Age: Coronavirus Resources
- Staffing and Staff Morale
- Respiratory Illness Tracking Tool
- Residents with Dementia
- American Health Care Association: How You Can Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Long Term Care Facilities
- OSHA: Respiratory Protection Guidance for the Employers of Those Working in Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Other Long-Term Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Infographics
Blog
Resources Specific to Re-opening
FAQ
CDC Healthcare Facilities
- Steps to Prepare Facility for Cases
- Preparing for Community Spread
- Comprehensive Hospital Preparedness Checklist for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
CDC Other Facilities
- IHI: A Guide to Promoting Health Care Workforce Well-Being During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Mental Wellbeing for Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- National Academy of Medicine: Resources to Support the Health and Well-Being of Clinicians During COVID-19
- CDC safety practices for critical infrastructure workers exposed to COVID-19
- Vizient Webinar: Addressing Staff Resilience and PTSD During COVID-19
- Resilience for Second Victims During and After COVID-19
- Quick Safety Issue 54: Promoting Psychosocial Well-being of Health Care Staff During Crisis
- COVID-19 Health Care Staff Trauma and Resilience Oriented Healing
- 1135 Waivers
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Ambulatory Health Care Settings
- Preparing Behavioral Health Organizations for Coronavirus
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in the Hospital Setting
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Nursing Care Centers
- Infection Control Focused Survey Tool for Nursing Homes
- COVID-19 Focused Infection Control Survey for Acute & Continuing Care (For Hospitals)
- Preventing Coronavirus Transmission in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
- Example Infection Control Hazard Assessment Form
- 1135 Waivers for Long Term Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and/or Nursing Facilities
- Preparing Behavioral Health Organizations for Coronavirus (oral presentation in Spanish), Preparación de organizaciones de salud mental para el coronavirus (la presentación oral esta en español)
- COVID-19 Health Care Staff Trauma and Resilience Oriented Healing
Hospital Q&A Webinars
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, life safety and 1135 waivers.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Hospitals with The Joint Commission
- Additional Resources
Home Care Q&A Webinars
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, 1135 waivers and telehealth.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Home Care with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
Laboratory Q&A Webinar
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 Waivers, and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Laboratories with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
Behavioral Health Care Q&A Webinar
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 waivers and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Behavioral Health Care with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&As
Nursing Care Centers Q&A Webinar
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety, CMS 1135 Waivers, and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Nursing Care Centers with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&A Resources
Ambulatory Health Care Q&A Webinar
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, environment of care/life safety and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Ambulatory Health Care with The Joint Commission New! February 12, 2021
- Additional Resources New! February 12, 2021
Disease-Specific Care Q&A Webinar
Leaders from The Joint Commission answer questions on topics including infection prevention and control, 1135 waivers and Joint Commission standards.
- COVID-19 Q&A for Disease-Specific Care Certification with The Joint Commission
- Additional Q&As
- August 14, 2020 – Removal of Position Statement
- May 27, 2020 – Regular Surveys and Reviews to Resume in June — With Some Changes to Protect Safety
- May 12, 2020 – Statement on Removing Barriers to Mental Health Care for Clinicians and Health Care Staff.
- April 23, 2020 – Universal Masking Statement.
- April 6, 2020 – FAQ in Response to The Joint Commission Statement on Use of Face Masks Brought From Home.
- April 1, 2020 – All Joint Commission surveys and reviews will remain on hold until the end of May.
- March 31, 2020 – Joint Commission Statement on Use of Face Masks Brought From Home.
- March 27, 2020 – Public Statement on the Shortages of Critical Medical Equipment.
- March 16, 2020 – The Joint Commission is suspending all regular surveying.
- March 9, 2020 – The Joint Commission continues to actively monitor COVID-19 activity.
- February 25, 2020 – The Joint Commission believes it is time for hospitals to prepare for a possible surge of Coronavirus patients.
- February 14, 2020 – Information and guidance on what your organization needs to know about COVID-19.
Blogs
- Reusable Elastomeric Respirators and Health Care Surges
- Three Ways Leaders Can Support Frontline Staff During a Pandemic
- Telemedicine for Hospice Providers
- How to Meet Professional Practice Evaluation Requirements During a Pandemic
- Availability of Non-Invasive Ventilators in Home Care
- Decontaminating & Disinfecting Single Use Respirators
- Quality Control for COVID-19 Tests
- Validation of COVID-19 Tests
- Using Ambulatory Surgery Centers as Alternate Care Sites
- Documentation Challenges When Operating Under an Emergency Operations Plan
- Providing Behavioral Health Care Via Telehealth
- COVID-19 Test Complexity
- Sterile Compounding Considerations During COVID-19
- Workplace Violence in the Post-COVID Era
- Regulations Focused on Rural Health Facilities During COVID-19
- Resuming Cases in Elective Surgery
- State Relations Department: A COVID-19 Update
- Face Covers for Individuals Served at Behavioral Health Care Organizations
- Using Ambulatory Surgery Centers as Alternate Care Sites
- Understanding 1135 Waivers for Long Term Care and Nursing Care Center Organizations
- Removing Barriers to Mental Health Services for Health Care Staff
- Nurses Confronting COVID-19 Misinformation
- Ambulatory Care Recovery Programs Post-COVID-19
- Post-COVID-19 Scoring Compliance Issues When Returning to Survey
- Patient Flow Considerations for Your Newly Reopened Surgery Center
- A summary of actions taken by The Joint Commission to advocate for federal resources and responses to aide health care organizations during the COVID-19 emergency
- The Joint Commission Statement on HEROES Act HR 6800
- Joint Statement Supporting Clinician Health in the Post-COVID Pandemic Era
For more information, visit our Federal Relations and Public Policy page.
CDC Resources
- New Guidance Documents webpage that allows users to view and filter through CDC guidance on COVID-19
- Update to COVID-19 training for healthcare professionals webpage, which includes links to webinars and other resources on topics including clinical care and infection control, PPE, nonpharmaceutical interventions, emergency preparedness and response, and others
- Healthcare provider and facility operational considerations for non-U.S. settings
- Recommendation about wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission
- New weekly surveillance report called COVIDView that will be updated each Friday and will summarize and interpret key indicators, including information related to COVID-19 outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations and deaths, as well as laboratory data
- Updated guidance on strategies for optimizing the supply of N95 respirators
- Information for pediatric healthcare providers regarding children with COVID-19
- Updated interim guidance on the discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19 not in healthcare settings
- Update to interim guidance for implementing safety practices for critical infrastructure workers who may have had exposure to a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
- Updated guidance for infection prevention and control in dental settings during the COVID-19 response
- Guidance for the temporary use of certain gas containers for oxygen and nitrogen intended for medical use for the duration of the public health emergency
FDA Resources
- Respirators approved in other countries can be used in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic
- New Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for non-NIOSH-approved respirators made in China
- Updated FAQs on 3D printing of medical devices, accessories, components and parts during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Effort to develop and implement blood-related therapies for COVID-19
- Enforcement policy for clinical electronic thermometers during the COVID-19 public health emergency
- Enforcement policy for infusion pumps and accessories during the COVID-19 public health emergency
- CMS COVID-19 Partner Toolkit
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- ECRI Preparedness Center
- FEMA Healthcare Resilience Task Force: COVID-19 Hospital Resource Package
- Webinar: Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Treating Suicidal Patients During COVID-19: Best Practices and Telehealth
- American College of Surgeons COVID Resources: COVID-19 and Surgery
Real Voices. Real Stories.
Just like many of you, Joint Commission enterprise staff who are also working on the front lines are facing real challenges. We’d like to share some of their personal experiences.