As we respond to the ongoing pandemic, all workers in adult and senior care facilities and in-home direct care settings must be vaccinated to reduce the chance of transmission to vulnerable populations. Fully-vaccinated workers are only required to test when they become eligible for a booster but remain unboosted. Photo by Julian Mendoza for CalMatters. Workers may be exempt from the vaccination requirements under section (1) only upon providing the employer or employer-recipient a declination form, signed by the individual stating either of the following: (1) the worker is declining vaccination based on Religious Beliefs, or (2) the worker is excused from receiving any COVID-19 vaccine due to Qualifying Medical Reasons. X-ray Machine Registration Family Health Breastfeeding Genetic Disease Screening Mental Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Women, Infants and Children Personal Health and Prevention Cannabis (Marijuana) Immunizations Nutrition Quit Smoking Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Health and Safety The terms of this Order supersede the August 5, 2021 State Health Officer Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement Order. Yes, unless they have an approved religious or reasonable medical accommodation. If the accommodation request is denied, the worker has 15 calendar days to initiate a vaccination/booster. HAs shall initiate corrective or disciplinary action to workers who fail to comply with the instructions and timeframes outlined above. The HA shall initiate and submit an electronic CDCR Form 989, Confidential Request for Internal Affairs Investigation/Notice of Direct Adverse Action, to the Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) within the Case Management System 4.0, consistent with CCR, Title 15, Section 3392, Employee Discipline, DOM, Chapter 3, Article 14, Internal Affairs Investigations, and DOM, Article 22, Employee Discipline. Workers who have been boosted are not required to test weekly. Newsom first announced. Workers with a religious or reasonable accommodation request to masking shall follow the process outlined above. A template for the written instruction is available upon request from the local EEO/HCERO. Skilled Nursing Facilities (including Subacute Facilities), vi. The operator of the facility then also must maintain records of the worker's testing results, if testing is required, pursuant to section (4). Workers who fail to comply with the written instruction by the set time period, on the next work day (after the seven calendar day compliance period expires) shall be subject to further discipline for non-compliance. Pediatric Day Health and Respite Care Facilities, xiv. Espaol, - COVID-19 vaccination causes a more predictable immune response than infection with the virus that causes COVID-19." All CDCR/CCHCS civil service workers, registry providers, contractors, and volunteers who: No, workers who are not subject to the CDPH Order are not required to be vaccinated/boosted. "Employer" refers to an organization that employs and directs the worker in providing services. In addition, the recent emergence of the Omicron variant (it is estimated that approximately 70% of cases sequenced, nationally, are Omicron and rapid increases are occurring globally) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts, including testing, are needed to continue protecting against COVID-19. Are regularly assigned to work in the areas, institutions, posts and locations specified in the. Claims will be processed utilizing existing Workers Compensation policies and protocols. Reference: State Public Health Officer Order of September 28, 2021 . PO Box 997377 Worker is fully-vaccinated, has/had a proven COVID-19 infection, and deferred booster administration by up to 90 days. They lower risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 and also prevent serious illness and death. Novavax is not authorized for use as a booster dose at this time. Conversely, the level of protection people get from COVID-19 infection alone may vary widely depending on how mild or severe their illness was, the time since their infection, which variant they were infected with, and their age. Once a determination on the religious accommodation request is made, HAs shall notify the Direct Care Contracts Section (DCCS), the provider/contractor, and the network contractor (if applicable). Healthcare personnel staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters remains the most important strategy to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19. 2. Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 34% and hospitalizations have increased by 17%. Janssen). a total of 9,371 confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks and 113,196 . Vaccinations have been available in California from December 2020 to the present, and from January 1, 2021, to July 12, 2021, a total of 9,371 confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks and 113,196 outbreak-related cases were reported to CDPH. Consequently, mandated testing of the small number of unvaccinated workers is not effectively preventing disease transmission as it did with the original COVID-19 virus and prior variants earlier in the pandemic. Workers who provide proof of COVID-19 infection shall be in compliance no later than 15 days after the expiration of their deferral. Accordingly, amendments to the original State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021, are needed at this time, to reflect current science and understanding as it relates to hybrid immunity in those who are fully vaccinated and then become infected. HCP who have completed their primary series who provide proof of subsequent COVID-19 infection may defer this booster administration for up to 90 days after infection. c. For unvaccinated workers: signed declination forms with written health care provider's statement where applicable, as described in section (6) above. Guidance for Healthcare Workers about COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Testing Updated Dec. 20, 2022 Print Testing Overview Summary of considerations and current CDC recommendations regarding COVID-19 testing strategies. For the most current testing requirements for the incarcerated, refer to the COVID-19 Interim Guidance. Work at California Health Care Facility (CHCF), California Medical Facility (CMF), and regularly assigned to work in Central California Womens Facilitys (CCWF) SNF. b. access to online resources providing up to date information on COVID-19 science and research. 1. Based on the appropriate timeframes as specified above, the first step is issuing an LOI to non-compliant workers. Federal regulations 42 CFR 483.80(d)(3) and 42 CFR 483.460(a)(4)(i) also require that Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-IID) must offer COVID-19 vaccines to residents, clients, and staff onsite when supplies are available to the facility and in accordance with the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 vaccine schedule, which includes bivalent booster doses. The CDPH recommends workers who initially received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine to receive the booster six months after their second dose. Yes, if they are assigned to areas/locations subject to the CDPH order and are: Testing frequency and intervals are subject to change at any time. MS 0500 No. Are regularly assigned to provide health care or health care services to incarcerated people. Vaccines continue to remain the most critical aspect of moving our communities out of this pandemic. Workers who provide proof of COVID-19 infection after completion of their primary series may defer booster administration for up to 90 days from date of first positive test or clinical diagnosis, which in some situations, may extend the booster dose . The CDPH has amended its mandatory vaccination requirement for workers in healthcare settings to account for booster shots, as follows: If a healthcare worker became eligible 1 for a booster on or before January 17, 2022, they must receive their booster shot by February 1, 2022. MS 0500 California must be vigilant to maintain situational awareness through surveillance and be ready to pause or reinstate a higher level of protective mitigation recommendations or requirements. Workers who initially received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are recommended to receive the booster two months after their initial dose. As we continue to learn more about post-Omicron infection immunity, hybrid immunity, waning immunity in general, and what new variants may evolve, we will continue to reassess COVID-19 vaccine requirements and recommendations. On December 22, the California Department of Public Health issued an order that requires health care workers working at certain facilities to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive boosters by February 1 unless an exemption applies. Pfizer or Moderna), or two weeks or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (e.g. If you're a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, lab technician, or other health care worker, protect yourself and your . CDPH continues to assess conditions on an ongoing basis. California's path forward will be predicated on individual, smarter actions that will collectively yield better outcomes for our neighborhoods, communities, and state. Booster-eligible workers shall receive their booster dose by no later than March 1, 2022. 1-833-4CA4ALL The custody Master Assignment Roster or applicable bid sheet(s) will be marked with a V for all vaccination/booster-required posts. For booster-eligible workers who remain unboosted and did not submit an accommodation request by March 1, 2022, disciplinary process may commence on or after March 2, 2022. Note: During a COVID-19 outbreak, all workers may be subject to more frequent and regular intervals of COVID-19 testing regardless of vaccination status. Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and PACE Centers, viii. As we've also seen, the Omicron subvariants have shown immune escape and increased transmissibility, and while unvaccinated individuals still have higher risk of infection, previously infected, vaccinated, and boosted persons have also been infected. By the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are listed at the FDA COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. 2 min read. However, additional statewide facility-directed measures are necessary to protect particularly vulnerable populations, and ensure a sufficient, consistent supply of workers in high-risk health care settings. Positions with the California COVID Health Corps The CDC Clinician Call Center is available to clinicians who have COVID-19 clinical management questions. The COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge in California. Since the start of the pandemic, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has led with science and data to better understand COVID-19. This Order shall take effect on September 17, 2022, and facilities must be in compliance with the Order at that time), with the exception of the deadlines set forth in section 7.a, which facilities must comply with as written. These measures can improve vaccination rates in these settings, which ensures that both the individuals being served as well as the workers providing the services, are protected from COVID-19. All COVID-19 vaccines that are currently authorized for emergency use can be found at the following links: a. Consequently, although COVID-19 remains with us, I am rescinding the August 5, 2021 State Public Health Officer Order effective April 3, 2023.. Introduction to State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022. Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospitals, ix. Have been provided an approved religious or reasonable medical accommodation to the vaccine/booster. b. a. Although COVID-19 vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination becomes less effective over time at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms, especially in people aged 65 years and older. Fully vaccinated workers who provide proof of COVID-19 infection may defer booster administration for up to 90 days from date of their first positive test or clinical diagnosis. Workers with a deferral due to a proven COVID-19 infection must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the expiration of their deferral. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Consistent with applicable privacy laws and regulations, the operator of the facility must maintain records of workers' vaccination or exemption status. On August 11th and August 24th the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in updated guidance, also indicated that screening testing is no longer recommended in general community settings, and while screening testing may still be considered in high-risk settings, if implemented it should include all persons, regardless of vaccination status, given recent variants and subvariants with significant immune evasion. Workers with a deferral due to a proven COVID-19 infection must be in compliance no later than 15 days after the expiration of their deferral. Nothing in this Order limits otherwise applicable requirements related to Personal Protective Equipment, personnel training, and infection control policies and practices. Additionally, given the current hospital census, even a moderate surge in cases and hospitalizations could materially impact California's health care delivery system within certain regions of the state. 6. Unvaccinated persons are more likely to get infected and spread the virus, which is transmitted through the air. In general, workers shall continue reporting to work, wear the appropriate mask at all times based on current masking guidelines as posted on the Lifeline COVID-19 page, and test twice-weekly (with 48-72 hours between each test), until fully-vaccinated/boosted. All in-home direct care services workers, including registered home care aides and certified home health aides, except for those workers who only provide services to a recipient with whom they live or who are a family member of the recipient for whom they provide services; c. All waiver personal care services (WPCS) providers, as defined by the California Department of Health Care Services, and in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers, as defined by the California Department of Social Services, except for those workers who only provide services to a recipient with whom they live or who are a family member of the recipient for whom they provide services; d. All hospice workers who are providing services in the home or in a licensed facility; and. c. For unvaccinated workers: signed declination forms with written health care provider's statement where applicable, as described in section (2) above. 8. Yes, if they are regularly assigned to work in the areas, institutions, posts and locations specified in the August 23, 2021 and January 28, 2022, memoranda. If a worker prefers a particular vaccination brand, they should make arrangements to get that vaccination brand timely. California is currently experiencing the fastest increase in COVID-19 cases during the entire pandemic with 18.3 new cases per 100,000 people per day, with case rates increasing ninefold within two months. Additionally, there is immunological data suggesting that allowing an adequate interval between an infection and a COVID-19 vaccination dose may be important to allow quality immune memory. Those workers currentlyeligible for booster doses per the Table above must receive their booster dose by no later than March 1, 2022. Covered facilities should maintain capacity at their worksite, to continue to test as recommended during outbreaks and in the event it is required again at a future date. In fact, recent data suggests that viral load is roughly 1,000 times higher in people infected with the Delta variant than those infected with the original coronavirus strain, according to a recent study. Sacramento, CA 95899-7377, For General Public Information: New York enforcement . Covered workers must continue to comply with all required primary series and vaccine booster doses pursuant to Table A below. Alternatively, workers may select another no-cost community clinic listed on the website myturn.ca.gov, or from their personal health care provider, and follow the process for submitting proof of vaccination/booster outlined in Attachment A of the January 28, 2022, memorandum. 6. Those workers currently eligible for booster doses per the Table above must receive their booster dose by no later than March 1, 2022. Consequently, current vaccine requirements of staff in health care settings are not proving sufficient to prevent transmission of the more transmissible Omicron variant. Facilities covered by this Order are encouraged to provide onsite vaccinations, easy access to nearby vaccinations, use of work time to get vaccinated, and education and outreach on vaccinations, including: a. access to epidemiologists, physicians, and other counselors who can answer questions or concerns related to vaccinations and provide culturally sensitive advice; and. 5. The one-dose vaccine is: Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen. They lower risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 and also prevent serious illness and death. 9. Yes, but only if booster-eligible and unboosted. Between that time and the March 1st, 2022, deadline, booster rates for healthcare personnelincreased 47%. The, troduction to State Public Health Officer Order of September 13, 2022, en At present 80% of Californians 12 years of age and older have completed their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, and 48% have received their first booster dose. 1-833-4CA4ALL Order of the State Public Health Officer Health Care Worker Health (1 days ago) WebThus CDPH is updating its order requiring health care workers to be fully vaccinated and boosted by March 1, 2022 to allow delay of the March 1, 2022 deadline for receiving a booster for covered workers with proof of a recent infection for up to 90 days Cdph.ca.gov c. "Worker" refers to all paid and unpaid individuals who work in indoor settings where (1) care is provided to patients, or (2) patients have access for any purpose. 5. Accordingly, amendments to the original State Public Health Officer Order of December 22, 2021, are needed at this time, to reflect current science and understandingas it relates to hybrid immunity in those who are fully vaccinated and then become infected. The top industry settings are adult and senior care facilities and in-home direct care settings (22%) where increasing numbers of workers are among the new positive cases and recent outbreaks in these types of settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated individuals. b. By the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are listed at the Yes, the worker shall be exempt from progressive discipline pending the HAs determination on a request for accommodation. For consistency purposes, it is important to use the procedure masks provided by CDCR/CCHCS. In many of these settings, the patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease due to underlying health conditions, advanced age, or both. Thanks to vaccinations and to measures taken since March 2020, California's health care system is currently able to address the increase in cases and hospitalizations. Covered workers must continue to comply with all required primary series and vaccine booster doses pursuant to Table A below. Workers may obtain no-cost COVID-19 vaccination/booster from CDCR/CCHCS vaccine clinics. For workers who have not initiated vaccination nor submitted an accommodation request by October 14, 2021, disciplinary process may commence on or after October 15, 2021. COVID-19 vaccination causes a more predictable immune response than infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.Conversely, the level of protection people get from COVID-19 infection alone may vary widely depending on how mild or severe their illness was, the time since their infection, which variant they were infected with, and their age. Among 19,830 confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the pandemic, 47% were associated with the health care, congregate care, and direct care sector. Newsom announced health care workers across California will be required to receive a COVID-19. In addition, at the federal level, QSO-23-02-ALL (Revised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements) currently requires all Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers ensure that all applicable staff are vaccinated with COVID19 primary series. New and current registry/contract assignments and onboarding processes have been updated to reflect CDPH order requirements. to Default, Certificates, Licenses, Permits and Registrations, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, California Health Facilities Information Database, Chronic Disease Surveillance and Research, Division of Radiation Safety and Environmental Management, Center for Health Statistics and Informatics, Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program, Office of State Public Health Laboratory Director, current State Public Health Officer Order, Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement Q&A, QSO-23-02-ALL (Revised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax or vaccines authorized by World Health Organization, Booster dose at least 2 months and no more than 6 months after 2nd dose. To be eligible for a Qualified Medical Reasons exemption the worker must also provide to their employer a written statement signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional practicing under the license of a physician stating that the individual qualifies for the exemption (but the statement should not describe the underlying medical condition or disability) and indicating the probable duration of the worker's inability to receive the vaccine (or if the duration is unknown or permanent, so indicate). If unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or booster-eligible but unboosted, the returning worker shall obtain vaccine/booster dose within 15 calendar days and immediately undergo twice-weekly COVID-19 testing (with 48-72 hours between each test) until fully-vaccinated/ boosted. Category: Health Detail Health Clinics & Doctor Offices (including behavioral health, surgical), xiii. WHO COVID-19 Vaccines webpage. to Default, Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement, About the Viral and Rickettsial Disease Lab, CDER Information for Health Professionals, Communicable Disease Emergency Response Program, DCDC Information for Local Health Departments, Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch, VRDL Guidelines for Specimen Collection and Submission for Pathologic Testing, State of CaliforniaHealth and Human Services Agency, This State Public Health Officer Order will takeeffect onApril 3, 2023. For these reasons, COVID-19 remains a concern to public health and, in order to prevent its further spread in adult and senior care facilities and in-home direct care settings, new public health requirements are necessary at this time. Also, it is more difficult to tell when dark-colored procedure masks get soiled and should be discarded. Adult Care Facilities and Direct Care Worker Vaccine Requirement.