Spring Oak Assisted Living of Forked River
“Outbreak Plan”
Edited 11/2/2020
In accordance with the Executive Directive No. 20-026, the following is an outline of the facility’s “Outbreak Plan” for initiating a Phased Reopening:
Social distancing & strict cleaning procedures will be practiced in accordance with CDC guidelines.
EMERGENCY STAFFING CONTINGENCY
In the event of an emergency or when staffing shortages are anticipated, the Administrator or
designee will make the decision to utilize emergency staffing strategies as necessary to provide
for care and treatment of residents.
1. In case of an anticipated or an emergency staffing shortage, administrator or designee will
communicate with local Board of Health.
2. Employees in the facility will be notified of the decision to utilize emergency staffing
strategies.
3. The facility will adjust staff schedules, hiring additional HCP, and rotating HCP to positions
that support patient care activities.
4. Cancel all non-essential procedures and visits.
5. Attempt to address social factors that might prevent HCP from reporting to work such as
transportation or housing if HCP live with vulnerable individuals.
6. Identify additional HCP to work in the facility. Be aware of state-specific emergency waivers
or changes to licensure requirements or renewals for select categories of HCP.
7. Request that HCP postpone elective time off from work.
8. Administrator or designee will contact staffing agencies to secure staff.
9. Remove tasks from the nursing department that does not need to be completed by a CNA or
nurse including but not limited to passing out water, answering call bells, passing out snacks
and designate these tasks to alternate employees such as recreation or housekeeping.
10. Unit Clerks will assist on the unit as well as other staff within the scope of their practice.
11. Nursing Administration (DON, Supervisors) may need to work on the units as needed.
12. Social Services/Activities/Concierge and Administration to assist on the units as necessary
i.e. answering phone calls, call bells, passing out meal trays etc.
13. Dietary may utilize paper goods in order to free staff to assist in other areas.
14. Utilizing agency staff as necessary.
15. Utilizing emergency waivers or changes to licensure requirements as appropriate.
In addition, the following measures will be put in place:
• Facility will contract with healthcare recruiters for low level staff.
• Facility will reach out to schools and colleges for new CNA and nurse graduates.
• Monetary compensation will be in effect as necessary.
• All department heads can be mandated to work 7 days a week for the duration of the crisis.
• Licensed aids and nurses in other departments (i.e. admissions, liaisons etc.) will be mandated
to work on the floors.
• Aggressive recruiting and ads will be placed to attract new staff.
• Any additional measures needed will be considered on a day to day basis.
Crisis capacity strategies include:
a. Implementing regional plans to transfer patients with infectious disease, including COVID-19
to alternate care sites with adequate staffing.
b. Implementing criteria to allow HCP with suspected or confirmed infectious disease, including
COVID-19 who have not met Return to Work Criteria to work, in accordance with CDC guidlines.
In the event that any Resident or Power-of-Attorney should have a pressing concern related to COVID-19, please contact the Facility Executive Director at (609) 242-2661
or email cdifiore@springoak.net