On December 9, DSS issued a memo outlining the safety expectations for onsite inspections along with its onsite inspection safety protocol, and a related screening form. This new safety protocol should be used in conjunction with the standard  protocols for inspection. VHCA-VCAL Vice President of Quality Improvement and Director of VCAL April Payne advises to carefully review the protocol and screening information to be sure your facility and staff are properly prepared to safely welcome an onsite licensing inspector.

The memo states that in response to COVID-19, the majority of inspections are being conducted through a virtual and/or a desk review process as a means of limiting in-person interaction to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support community health. However, there may be times when a licensing inspector must be physically present in a facility to conduct inspections related to situations involving serious health and safety concerns, inspections of programs seeking initial licensure, and other situations identified by the department that necessitate an onsite inspection.

Your licensing inspector may reach out to you in the future to review your facility’s established COVID-19 health and safety protocols to ensure the inspector is familiar with and can easily follow them, prior to and during the inspection. If you have any questions related to this memo, you may contact the regional licensing office that serves your location.