Policy
The Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast ensures the safety of all patients, visitors and associates. We respect the personal choice of patients, visitors and associates regarding masking. We acknowledge that wearing a mask may help protect others who may be immunocompromised or at greater risk for serious illness.
While universal masking is not mandated, we have identified high risk situations when masking may be required according to 59AER23-2 Standards for the Appropriate Use of Facial Coverings for Infection Control
VNA respects the right of patients, visitors and associates to opt out of masking except in defined high-risk situations and environments.
In the event, VNA initiates universal masking in response to the local health care environment patient, visitors will be educated on the revised policy Additionally, alternative methods of infection control will be offered if available.
Associates may opt out of universal masking and only be required to mask in defined high-risk situations and environment.
VNA ensures masks are available when required or requested by patients, visitors, and associates.
Procedure
To ensure appropriate infection control guidelines, safety of our patients, visitors and associates, and respect of Patient Rights, VNA may require masking for, patients, visitors and associates in the following situations and environment.
- Require a patient to wear a facial covering when the patient is in a common area of health care setting and is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission.
- Require a visitor to wear a facial covering when the visitor is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission, if present during a sterile procedure, or in patient room with a patient who is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission, or visiting a patient with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase risk of transmission of an infection from associates without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of facial coverings is necessary for the patient’s safety.
- Require an associate to wear a mask while caring for a patient on droplet or airborne isolation or for a patient diagnosed with a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase risk of transmission of an infection from associates without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of facial coverings is necessary for the patient’s safety, working in a sterile environment or when performing sterile procedure or engaging in non-clinical potentially hazardous activities that require facial coverings to prevent physical injury or harm in accordance with industry standards.