Arkansas Support Network (ASN) is committed to the health and safety of the people served and employed by the organization. Reducing the transmission of airborne illnesses is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy living and work environment.
To ensure that all individuals remain as safe as possible while engaging with ASN, the organization will adhere to the guidelines listed in this policy regarding safety precautions to protect against the transmission of airborne illnesses.
- This policy applies to all ASN employees
- Point of contact – Human Resources. Contact the HR Team at asnhrdepartment@supports.org for any questions, resolutions of problems, or special circumstances.
Definitions
- DSP - Direct Support Professional
- Executive Leadership - Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Program Officer, Chief Strategy Officer
- CDC - Centers for Disease Control
- High-Risk Category - categorical designation for individuals served by ASN determined by a standard nursing assessment that includes health-related diagnoses and medical support needs according to CDC High-Risk Categories
Masking Requirements
- Masks are required for support teams that have been identified as supporting a person who possesses a "high-risk" designation as identified by the ASN nursing team or the individual's medical professionals. This designation is reflected in the Mask Safety Awareness Acknowledgment. This acknowledgment will provide the option for the Individual and/or the Individual's Guardian to require masks in the person's home and while receiving direct services from ASN. DSPs working in these homes will receive documented training indicating the requirement to wear masks when supporting the individual and will sign off acknowledging receipt of the information.
- Nursing staff will identify individuals with a "high-risk" designation based on CDC guidelines. "high-risk" designations will be determined by a standard nursing assessment that includes health-related diagnoses and medical support needs.
- "High-risk" designation will be based on the CDC High-Risk Categories.
- Masks will be required for employees who are providing direct support to individuals who have elected to maintain a mask mandate in their homes and while receiving direct support. Individuals who elect to maintain mask mandates while receiving support can do so without the requirement of any additional documentation or justification of need. The decisions of individuals to maintain mask mandates as a part of their services will be respected and honored by ASN.
Testing and Quarantine Requirements
ASN's current testing and quarantine requirements for employees who have been exposed to the virus or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are detailed below. If an employee has been exposed to any contagious virus, they are required to contact their Direct Supervisor AND the Operations Team immediately and follow the guidance provided by the Operations Team.
Direct exposure to someone with COVID-19:
- If the employee provides documentation of current vaccination:
- The employee will wear a mask for the first five days while working with an individual and will test on day 5. Day 0 is considered the date of exposure.
- If symptomatic, the employee will test and quarantine for 5 days. If symptoms are improving, the employee may come out of quarantine but is required to wear a mask through day 10.
- If no symptoms are present, the employee will test and continue to monitor for symptoms.
- If the employee does not provide documentation of vaccination:
- The employee must quarantine for 10 days. Secondary exposure to someone with COVID-19:
- The employee will monitor for symptoms. If the employee becomes symptomatic, test for COVID-19.
- If the exposure receives a positive result, the employee will quarantine for 5 days. If symptoms are improving, the employee may come out of quarantine but is required to wear a mask through day 10.
- If the exposure receives a negative result and no symptoms are present, the employee will continue to monitor for symptoms.