Updated COVID 19 Policy and Procedures
Remote Medical Training COVID-19 Policy
Exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan
This document will be a guide for Remote Medical Training when moving through the phased approach of reopening set forth by the state of Washington's reopening plan.
Remote Medical Training (RMT) requires that personnel and students have completed the primary series of an FDA approved SARS-COV2 Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson Janssen,& Novavax). RMT personnel will request this documentation prior to the beginning of an in-person course. Exemptions can apply if the individual can provide proof of Covid-19 illness and it has been within the 90 days post illness but should be discussed with the RMT Covid-19 Supervisor. If the course extends beyond those 90 days, the vaccination will be required regardless. The individuals not subject to this requirement are those who are unvaccinated with valid medical or religious exemptions. These exemptions are:
Medical exemptions
Some people may be at risk for an adverse reaction because of an allergy to one of the vaccine components or a medical condition. This is referred to as a medical exemption. This exemption will require a presented by their personal licensed healthcare provider.
Religious exemptions
Some people may decline vaccination because of a sincerely held religious belief. This is referred to as a religious exemption.
Remote Medical Training Infectious Control Policy COVID-19 testing requirements for all personnel and students (vaccinated & unvaccinated)
Pre-course Arrival Testing
All residential courses require a PCR test within 72 hours of arriving on campus OR a
rapid antigen test 24 hours prior to arriving at the campus.
No student or personnel should present to a course who are demonstrating possible Covid-19 symptoms despite negative testing without first discussing by phone with the RMT COVID-19 Supervisor.
Mid-course Testing
Testing will be required only for those who develop symptoms that could be attributed to a SARS-COV2 infection and have been directed by the RMT Covid-19 Supervisor. RMT relies on each individual to report these symptoms to their instructor.
COVID-19 Testing Requirements When testing is being performed
PCR test: The test result must be from an FDA/EUA-approved COVID-19 viral PCR test or other Molecular (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test [NAAT]) test. Nasopharyngeal swabs, nasal swabs or saliva PCR tests are acceptable.
Antigen tests (e.g., rapid tests) are only accepted if an individual does not have access to a PCR test. If approved, the test kit must be an FDA-EUA/approved COVID 19 rapid antigen Individuals in health care settings are not approved to use antigen testing.
Classroom Operations Phased Guidelines
Phase 1: Remote Medical Training will adjust our operations to follow the operational guidelines during this phase and all students and staff will maintain the following standards and behaviors.
Prior to entering a RMT facility or course the following vital signs will be monitored on site prior to entering a building or engaging with other students or coworkers.
- Temperature
- Any common symptoms outlined by the CDC associated with SARS-COV2.
When two or more persons gather at an RMT facility or training event, 6 feet of separation will be maintained as much as possible and they will wear level 2 PPE unless they are within 6 feet of each other at which time they will wear level 1 PPE.
Gatherings, other than organized training events, of any size are not permitted at any time during an onsite training event.
Each Piece of equipment will be decontaminated pre and post use. Necessary cleaning equipment for decontamination following CDC guidelines will be provided.
To manage “choke points” and “high-risk areas”, RMT will have students and employees come into the building one at a time wearing level 2 PPE.
Any training event that will be conducted inside requires:
- That the classroom size will be adequate enough to seat the required number of students no closer than 6 feet apart as much as possible. When indoors, students and instructors will wear level 2 PPE when possible.
- Easy access to the outdoors without having to walk down halls or pass other individuals not associated with the training event
-
Students can maintain a distance of 6 feet while entering or exiting the building.
Phase 2: Remote medical training will adjust our operations to follow the following operational guidelines during this phase and all students and staff will maintain the following standards and behaviors.
Prior to coming to work or attending a class the following vital signs will be self-monitored by employees or students.
- Temperature.
- Any common symptoms outlined by the CDC associated with the illness.
When two or more persons gather at an RMT facility or training event, 3 feet of separation will be maintained as much as possible and they will wear level 2 PPE unless they are within 3 feet of each other at which time they will wear level 1 PPE.
Gatherings of more than 5 individuals, other than organized training events, of any size are not permitted at any time during an onsite training event.
All equipment will be decontaminated pre and post use. Necessary cleaning equipment
for decontamination following CDC guidelines will be provided.
To manage “choke points” and “high-risk areas”, RMT will have students and employees come into the building one at a time wearing level 2 PPE.
Any training event that will be conducted inside requires:
-
That the classroom size will be adequate to seat the required number of
students no closer than 3 feet apart as much as possible. When indoors,
students and instructors will wear level 2 PPE when possible. -
Easy access to the outdoors without having to walk down halls or pass other
individuals not associated with the training event. -
Students can maintain a distance of 3 feet while entering or exiting the building.
Phase 3: Remote medical training will adjust our operations to follow the following operational guidelines during this phase and all students and staff will maintain the following standards and behaviors.
Prior to coming to work or attending a class the following vital signs will be self-monitored by employees or students.
- Temperature.
- Any common symptoms outlined by the CDC associated with the illness.
All equipment will be decontaminated pre and post use. Necessary cleaning equipment
for decontamination following CDC guidelines will be provided.
Any training event that will be conducted inside requires:
-
That the classroom size will be adequate to seat the required number of
students no closer than 3 feet apart as much as possible. When indoors,
students and instructors will wear level 2 PPE when possible. -
Easy access to the outdoors without having to walk down halls or pass other
individuals not associated with the training event. -
Students can maintain a distance of 3 feet while entering or exiting the building.
Definitions
- Level 1 PPE: will include face coverings (surgical mask or 2 ply cloth), eye protection (either Safety or face shield) and gloves
- Level 2 PPE: will include face coverings
- Social Distancing: Students and employees will maintain a safe distance of 3 feet or farther at all times. They will not share common areas like kitchens, break rooms or conference rooms unless utilizing level 1 PPE.
Procedures
Determining what needs to be cleaned
● Some surfaces only need to be cleaned with soap and water. For example, surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned and do not require additional
disinfection.
● Outdoor surfaces, other than entryway door knobs, do not generally need to be cleaned.
● If the surface has not been utilized or accessed for 7 days, and does not appear soiled, it does not need to be re-cleaned to be utilized.
Cleaning & Disinfection Procedure: Frequently touched surfaces and objects like light switches and door knobs will need to be cleaned and then disinfected to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects.
1) First, clean the surface or object with soap and water.
2) Then, disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
3) If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, you can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% isopropyl alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together.
Written Notice to Employees & Government Officials
All programs will post at each location written notice to employees and government officials the Current phase and work and instructional programs that will be performed at that location and signed commitment to adhere to the requirements listed in this document.
COVID-19 Supervisor
Remote Medical Training’s COVID-19 Supervisor will be our Training Program Director and will be designated to monitor the health of employees and students and enforce the COVID-19 location safety plan while courses are being instructed. Our onsite Health Safety Officer will be the lead instructor assigned to the course. The plan will adjust weekly to whatever phase the State of Washington is currently operating under.
COVID-19 Safety Training
Review of this document will occur prior to the first day of any employee or students who are returning to work or a training event. If applicable updates will take place thereafter, to explain the protective measures in place for all workers and students.
We will meet annually or as necessary to determine the need for additional updates or emergent changes to the policy
Workplace safety and health complaints
● Complaints may be submitted to the L&I Call Center: (1-800-423-7233) or via e- mail to adag235@lni.wa.gov.
● General questions about how to comply with COVID-19 safety practices can be submitted to the state’s Business Response Center at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2562f1caf5814c46a6bf163762263aa5.
Additional Important References
● What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws (https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws#K)
● DOH: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus