Specifically, to effectively prevent and manage outbreaks, every licensee must ensure that there is:
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an infection prevention and control program for an LTC home (s. 86, LTCHA)
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an outbreak management system for detecting, managing, and controlling infectious disease outbreaks, including defined staff responsibilities, reporting protocols based on requirements under the Health Protection and Promotion Act , communication plans, and protocols for receiving and responding to health alerts
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a written plan for responding to infectious disease outbreaks (s. 229 of O. Reg. 79).
Licensees are also required to ensure that emergency plans are in place for the home that comply with the regulations, including:
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measures for dealing with emergencies
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procedures for evacuating and relocating the residents, and evacuating staff and others in case of an emergency (s. 230 of O. Reg. 79/10).
Licensees are also responsible for a staffing plan, in place and implemented, for its organized program of nursing services and organized program of personal support services (s. 31 of O. Reg. 79/10).
Based on the shared experience with regard to infection, prevention and control and staffing, the ministry will be implementing programs and supports to help build the sector’s capacity in these priority areas.
Ensuring the provision of required staffing is ultimately the responsibility of the licensee and I ask that you continue to do what you can to address this most pressing need.
Approaches to scheduling, particularly in relation to weekends and long weekends, require particular attention. Homes that are part of a chain are encouraged to look to the chain to assist in addressing staffing issues. Please note that going forward, the supply of hospital resources is becoming more scarce as hospitals address their own human resource challenges and ramp up services. As such, they may not be available to assist to the extent that you may require.
Over the past days, we have seen a surge in community infection rates and outbreaks in long-term care homes. Please monitor the infection rates in your community; we will also communicate with those homes that are in the communities with increasing rates to take necessary enhanced precautions and action, such as screening, regular testing and other measures in accordance with the government issued directives, communication and guidance .
Thank you for your continued commitment and hard work to improve the quality of long-term care in Ontario.
Sincerely,
(original signed by)
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Richard Steele
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Deputy Minister, Ministry of Long-Term Care