More information and guidance on how to prevent the spread of the disease can be found at the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) website. Further information regarding the COVID-19 case was released by TDH.
THA is closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is regularly communicating with key officials to ensure we can be responsive to member needs and concerns. THA President and CEO Dr. Wendy Long is working with state officials as part of Governor Lee’s Coronavirus Task Force which is working to coordinate efforts to prevent, identify, and treat potential cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS) and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) continue to be the best resources for current COVID-19 information.
You can sign up for regular TDH updates on what Tennessee is doing to prepare by emailing covid19.info@tn.gov.
Current information that may be helpful in guiding hospitals’ response to COVID-19 is available at the sites listed below.
In addition, we recognize that hospitals may be asked to address stakeholders and the media regarding COVID-19. THA has prepared some talking points to assist in that effort.
Latest updates on the COVID-19 situation.
COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Summary
COVID-19 Hospital Preparedness Assessment Tool
Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Priorities for Testing Patients with Suspected COVID-19
Information for Pediatric Healthcare Providers
Alternative Care Sites and Isolation Sites
Prepare to Care for COVID-19: Get Your Practice Ready
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Burn Rate Calculator
Additional resources for healthcare facilities
Print Resources - Updated communication posters to be used for patient, family and public health education on COVID-19. Available in multiple languages.
Public Service Announcements - English and Spanish audio resources to educate the general public on COVID-19
FAQs (Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Personnel Responding to COVID-19)
FAQs (Healthcare Professionals)
TN Weekly Situation Summary – 3/27/2020
Latest Tennessee specific COVID-19 information
Guidance on Infection Prevention and PPE Webinar – Recording | Slides
Slides from 3/20/2020 webinar with THA and TDH
Syndromic Surveillance Reporting Guidance
Long Term Care Facilities Guidance
Releasing Cases and Contacts from Isolation and Quarantine
Slides from 3/6/2020 webinar with THA and TDH
Slides from 3/13/2020 webinar with THA and TDH
TDH has testing availability in place through the state lab. Please contact TDH at 615-741-7247 to request lab testing for suspected cases.
CMS COVID-19 Elective Surgeries and Non-Essential Procedures Recommendations
CMS Memo on COVID-19 Alternative Screening Sites and EMTALA Regulations
Workplace, School and Home Guidance
CMS Announces Relief for Entities Participating in Quality Reporting Programs
Temporary Enforcement Guidance – Healthcare Respiratory Protections Annual Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces During the COVID-19 Outbreak – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Enforcement Policy for Non-Invasive Remote Monitoring Devices Used to Support Patient Monitoring During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
COVID-19 Diagnosing Testing FAQs (Including Testing Sites) – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Instructions to Manufacturers on Importation of PPE and Other Devices – Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Information on Investigational treatment for use in patients with the most serious and life-threatening COVID-19 infections - Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Imported, Non-NIOSH-Approved Disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirators – Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
NIOSH-Approved Air Purifying Respirators for Use in Healthcare Settings During Response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency – Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Battelle Decontamination System – Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Enforcement Policy for Gowns, Other Apparel, and Gloves – Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
Coronavirus Resources – Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
In an effort to ensure our members have the most current information possible, THA has assigned primary internal contacts on various topics related to COVID-19.
Executive Orders and State Legislation: Joe Burchfield
Clinical, PPE Guidance, Elective Surgeries and Visitation Policies: Chris Clarke
Supplies: Mike Dietrich and Adrienne Nordman
Staffing and Child Care for Healthcare Workers: Kelly Insana
Telehealth and Rural Health Issues: Bill Jolley
Federal Waivers, Regulations and TennCare: Amanda Newell
Billing and Compliance: Gwyn Walters
Media: Kelly Insana and Kristin Day