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New IDPH Guidance: Key Updates for Respiratory Illness Protocols in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Prism Health
October 02, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
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New IDPH Guidance: Key Updates for Respiratory Illness Protocols in Skilled Nursing Facilities
What’s New
This season, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has expanded its approach to managing respiratory illnesses in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and other long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Updated guidelines now address a wider range of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This comprehensive strategy reflects the increased vulnerability of LTC residents and the need for proactive, multi-virus protocols.
Why It Matters
Residents in long-term care settings are particularly susceptible to severe complications from respiratory illnesses. With COVID-19, influenza, and RSV circulating simultaneously, the symptoms often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between them without testing. A comprehensive, multi-virus strategy is necessary to ensure swift, accurate diagnosis and timely intervention to protect residents and staff alike.
Key Updates
Expanded Testing Recommendations: Facilities are advised to conduct broader testing for multiple respiratory viruses during outbreaks, not limited to COVID-19. PCR testing is recommended for confirmation, ensuring that all possible threats, including flu and RSV, are accurately detected and managed.
Flexible Masking Protocols: Masking policies remain important, particularly during outbreaks. While masking is no longer universally mandated, it is still recommended in outbreak settings. Administrators should tailor masking policies to reflect local transmission rates and the specific circumstances of each facility.
Outbreak Reporting: The IDPH now requires facilities to report outbreaks when three or more cases of respiratory illness occur within 72 hours. This reporting applies to all respiratory viruses, ensuring that public health officials can provide timely guidance and resources.
Visitor Policy Adjustments: Facilities must continue to update their visitor policies based on evolving respiratory illness trends. Administrators should be prepared to implement precautionary measures, such as masking and screening visitors, to mitigate the risk of virus transmission from external sources.
Isolation and Ventilation Best Practices: When outbreaks occur, isolating ill residents remains a key infection control measure. Whenever possible, ill residents should be moved to private rooms with enhanced ventilation to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Staff Flu Vaccination Declination: As part of infection control efforts, administrators must ensure that staff who decline the annual flu vaccination sign a declination form. This documentation is a regulatory requirement in many states, including Illinois, and helps facilities track vaccination rates and maintain compliance with infection control protocols.
Considerations
Symptom Similarities: COVID-19, flu, and RSV share many overlapping symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue, making it hard to distinguish between them without proper testing. This reinforces the need for a multi-virus testing strategy to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure accurate treatment.
Surveillance and Early Detection: Proactive measures, such as regular symptom monitoring and early testing, are critical to controlling the spread of respiratory illnesses in LTC settings. Administering tests early and isolating symptomatic individuals can reduce the risk of larger outbreaks.
Staff Training and Compliance: Ensuring that staff are up-to-date on new infection control measures is crucial. Regular training on proper use of PPE, handling of symptomatic residents, and updated guidelines helps maintain a safe environment for both staff and residents.
Coordination with Local Health Departments: Collaboration with public health authorities is vital during respiratory illness outbreaks. Facilities should have clear protocols for reporting, requesting assistance, and implementing public health recommendations.
Vaccine Encouragement: Facilities should continue to encourage vaccination among both residents and staff for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, as these remain the most effective tools in preventing severe illness.
Further Resources:
For additional information on the updated IDPH guidelines, including outbreak management strategies, visit the IDPH guidance on Preventing and Controlling Acute Respiratory Illness Outbreaks in Skilled Nursing Facilities.
Our Long Term Care Facility Respiratory Pathogen Kit
As the 2024-25 respiratory virus season begins, the LTC STATeam is here to support your facility with our Respiratory Pathogen Kit. Our PCR Triplex testing accurately detects COVID-19, Flu A/B, and RSV—the “gold-standard” in diagnostics. Choose between a simple lollipop self-test or a nasopharyngeal swab for fast, reliable results to manage and prevent outbreaks effectively.
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Our Long Term Care Facility PCR Respiratory Pathogen Kit
When to Use the Kit:
Control outbreaks with three or more cases
Test symptomatic residents
Confirm rapid test results
Kit Includes:
Pre-paid FedEx envelopes
Statewide fast shipping
Comprehensive infection control support
Why Choose Our PCR Triplex Kit?
No Cost to You: Fully reimbursable with no cost-sharing or balance billing.
Quick Results: Receive accurate results within 24 hours of receipt.
Expert Support: Access infection control guidance to meet all regulatory standards.
PRISM LTC STATeam Services
Did you know that PRISM provides all of the necessary support services for your Long Term Care facility? These include:
Outbreak Control
UTI Diagnostics & Treatment
Wound Care Management
Telehealth Services
Staffing Solutions
Phlebotomy Services
Routine Vaccinations
Let PRISM help you by providing you with the support you need to carry you through all of the seasons of the year. With 500+ facilities served and 35+ years of experience, we’ve got you covered.
Many of Prism’s services are provided at no direct cost to facilities. If applicable, we do bill the resident’s insurance, but with no cost sharing. We never balance bill. Our approach ensures quality care and compliance with all regulatory requirements, making it easier for you to focus on what matters most—your residents.
Book a Call With Us
Curious about utilizing Prism’s services for your facility? Book a free call with us at the Calendly link below:
Contact Us:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 888-977-4086
Website: www.prism.org/ltc
Best regards,
The PRISM LTC STATeam
Disclaimer: The following statement serves as a disclaimer from Prism Holistic Care Ltd., DBA Prism Health (“Prism”), an independent physician practice and laboratory (CLIA ID 14D0889595). The services provided by the LTC STATeam were previously made possible through an agreement with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). These services have now transitioned to a private payor reimbursement model. PRISM explicitly states that it does not operate on behalf of or as an agent of IDPH. Any services provided by PRISM will be billed to the resident’s insurer. Please be aware that certain services (e.g., vaccinations) are fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurances with no cost sharing. PRISM offers a range of other services including management consulting, staffing, laboratory, wound care, telemedicine, orthopedics, dental, vision, and health insurance services. Any services that are the financial responsibility of the facility or resident will be explicitly agreed upon prior to any party incurring any costs. This disclaimer is intended to ensure transparency, prevent misinterpretation, and avoid any confusion regarding the scope and limitations of our services. For more information and clarification regarding the services provided by the LTC STATeam, please contact Prism’s Department of Compliance at [email protected].