Guidance re: Surveillance Testing Program

Guidance re: Surveillance Testing Program

In a guidance document dated January 22, 2021, CHFS says that current surveillance testing guidance has not changed from that which was effective 12/31/2020. For clarification, here is the text from that guidance:

Testing Frequency: The Provider should voluntarily test staff bi-weekly (every other week), regardless of the provider’s county color displayed on the Kentucky Long-Term Care Facility Indicator, as well as any staff member or resident who either presents in the interim with symptoms consistent with COVID19 or is reasonably suspected of having been exposed to a COVID-19-infected person.

Testing Method: The Provider is strongly encouraged to opt for participating in the extended CHFS surveillance PCR testing program, a resource which will be limited to these settings after 12/30/20. CHFS expects to extend direct contracts with Clinical Laboratories to perform PCR tests on specimens collected from staff, residents or others at a LTCF’s in this category. A list of the CHFS-contracting clinical laboratories is available under the heading “LTC Surveillance Testing Program” Here.