Brookdale West Orange

New Jersey Outbreak Plan

Overview
Facilities are required to have a documented “Outbreak Plan” as required by N.J.S.A.26:2H-12.87. The plan includes but not be limited to, lessons learned from the response to and experience with COVID-19. Further, the plan includes a strategy for effective and clear communication with staff, patients/residents, their families or guardians about any infectious disease outbreaks as required by N.J.S.A. 26:2H-12.87.

Detail/Procedures

1. Facilities shall communicate through multiple means to inform individuals, including non-essential health care personnel, of the visitation restrictions, such as through signage at entrances/exits, letters, emails, phone calls, and recorded messages for receiving calls.
   1. Methods to communicate information on mitigating actions implemented by the facility to prevent or reduce the risk of transmission, including if normal operations of the facility will be altered. Notifications shall not include personally identifiable information.
   2. Methods to provide cumulative updates for residents, their representatives, and families of those residing in the facilities at least once weekly, in particular during a curtailed visitation period.
2. Written standards, policies and procedures that provide for virtual communication (e.g. phone, video-communication, Facetime, etc.) with residents, families, and resident representatives, in the event of visitation restrictions due to an outbreak of infectious disease or in the event of an emergency.
3. A documented strategy for securing more staff in the event of a new outbreak of COVID-19 or any other infectious disease or emergency among staff.
4. The outbreak plan must be posted on the facility’s website for public view no later than two (2) months from the enactment date of this Directive.
5. All facilities must prominently display on their website and/or social media platforms and include in communications to families, guardians and the public, a phone number or method of communication for urgent calls or complaints.

Updated 9/18/2020