Long term care facilities, LTCF  are required to report all suspected and confirmed outbreaks to their local health jurisdiction,LHJ per Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-101-305. The goal of reporting is to prevent further spread of disease by implementing appropriate control measures.

 

How to report to the Communicable Disease Program:

(1) Fax the disease specific line list template to 564.397.8080 (secure fax)   

• COVID-19 POC Test Report Form
• COVID/Influenza Line List Template                                          
• Gastrointestinal Illness                 ​ ​​

(2) Call the Communicable Disease Program (Ph: 564.397.8182) for any questions.

 

Disease specific toolkits:

COVID-19 and Influenza Recommendations for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities

COVID-19:

• Adult Family Home Recommendations

Influenza:

• Influenza Outbreak Preparation and Management Quick Guide
• Influenza Outbreak in LTCF Frequently Asked Questions
• Tamiflu Standing Orders Template
• Influenza FAQ 
• WA State DOH Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza Outbreaks in LTCF
• CDC Guidance for Antiviral Agents
• Managing Influenza Outbreaks in LTCF (Oregon Patient Safety Commission)

Gastrointestinal (GI) Illness:

• GI Quick Reference Guide for LTCFs
• CDC Key Infection Control Recommendations
• CDC Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Norovirus Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Healthcare Settings
• CDC Norovirus outbreak control resource toolkit (lots of printable materials) 
• EPA Registered Disinfectants Effective Against Norovirus
• Norovirus Training for Environmental Cleaning Staff  (Oregon Patient Safety Commission)

 

Other long term care facility resources:

• Inter-Facility Transfer Form
• Environmental Hygiene: Best Practices to Use When Cleaning and Disinfecting Patient Rooms