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​DHS COVID-19 PROVIDER GUIDANCE // ODP​

ODP Announcement 20-065: Clarification Reporting Cases of COVID-19

Issued: June 4, 2020 

Audience

All Qualified Providers, Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) providing services through the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support and Community Living (ID/A) Waivers and the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), Administrative Entities (AEs), Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), Private Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IDs) 

Purpose

To provide supplemental guidance to stakeholders regarding reporting cases of COVID19 to the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for individuals registered or enrolled and staff. This guidance is supplemental to ODP Announcement 20-049 UPDATE issued on April 30, 2020 and provides clarification as testing standards and best-practices continue to evolve.

Discussion

As testing for COVID-19 has become more available in Pennsylvania and the possibility of universal testing is becoming a viable option, ODP is providing additional clarification regarding reporting requirements for individuals and staff. 

Any time an individual or staff is tested for COVID-19 and receives a positive test result; individual testing must be reported. This reporting is required, regardless of the reason for the test. Reporting should continue for individuals or staff who are suspected to have COVID-19 due to the presence of symptoms and are tested.

Reporting for individuals and staff is not required when testing occurs and the results are negative as a result of the following:​

    • ​Agency/facility universal testing
    • Repeat testing done on an individual who has already tested positive, such as testing done for return to work or for discontinuation of transmission-based precautions
    • Testing of an asymptomatic* individual or staff due to an exposure or potential exposure to a person who tested COVID-19 positive
    • Routine practice or screening prior to receiving a medical procedure or care that is not the result of displaying COVID-19 symptoms
    • Other testing when the person is asymptomatic 
* Asymptomatic is defined as the absence of symptoms related to COVID-19. 

In addition, antibody testing is not required to be reported for individuals or staff. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to: 

    • Fever or chills
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle or body aches
    • Headache
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Sore throat
    • Congestion or runny nose
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • In addition to the typical symptoms of COVID-19as identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ODP providers have noted that for individuals with ID/A, COVID-19 infection has caused muscle aches, weakness or a change in baseline behavior without or prior to respiratory symptoms emerging. Providers should closely observe individuals for weakness or other changes in behavior that may be indicative of illness. 

For additional guidance regarding the reporting of COVID-19 testing, please review ODP Announcement 20-049 (Update) issued on 4/30/2020.