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The following statement was disseminated to members of the media by request on March 10, 2020, from the Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA). The statement is from LNHA Executive Director Mark Berger. Click here to download a copy of the statement.
The top priority of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA) and its member facilities is to protect the health and safety of nursing facility residents, including the potential threat of COVID-19.
In preparation for the potential spread of COVID-19, LNHA has provided information to assist facilities in updating and implementing their infection prevention and control policies and procedures to meet the specific challenges of this virus.
In keeping with regulatory guidance, member facilities have implemented an extensive screening process for visitors, vendors and staff to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 to residents. Member facilities have updated their infection control procedures, including a focus on proper hand hygiene; limiting surfaces touched; using the appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary; preforming routine environmental cleaning; and urging staff, vendors and visitors to stay home if sick.
Member facilities are educating their staff, residents and family members on COVID-19 and implementing new policies and procedures as regulatory guidance is continually updated from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and other agencies.
LNHA is supporting member facilities by staying in close contact with state and federal health officials and the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the largest national association of long term and post-acute care providers, to provide current information to our members.
Nursing facilities will follow LDH’s guidance as it relates to COVID-19 testing.
LNHA asks that the public support efforts to protect nursing facility residents by not visiting a nursing facility until further notice in order to limit potential exposure. Loved ones should call the nursing facility to arrange alternative ways to communicate with residents.
LNHA will continue to work closely with state and federal health organizations to protect Louisiana’s most vulnerable and will update member facilities as we learn more and receive additional guidance and resources.
About Louisiana Nursing Home Association
Louisiana Nursing Home Association (LNHA) is a nonprofit organization representing more than 250 nursing facilities and assisted living communities that care for approximately 25,000 elderly and disabled individuals each day. On behalf of its members, LNHA advocates for providing quality care and nurturing environments to Louisiana’s frail and elderly. To learn more about LNHA, visit www.lnha.org.
