HHSC ICF COVID-19 Provider Response to COVID-19 — Mitigation Rules Expired Aug. 3

Emergency rules for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions that contain the COVID-19 requirements for mitigation expired Aug. 3:

  • 26 Texas Administrative Code, Section 551.46, ICF/IID Provider Response to COVID-19 — Mitigation

As a reminder, facilities must set up, carry out, enforce and maintain an infection prevention and control policy and procedure designated to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment. This must be done to help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection per 26 TAC Chapter 551, Subchapter 42.

A facility may use guidance from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and DSHS to inform their infection control policies.

ICFs no longer have to report positive COVID-19 cases to HHSC. But, a facility must immediately report the name of any resident of a facility with a reportable disease, as specified in 25 TAC Chapter 97, Subchapter A (relating to Control of Communicable Diseases), to the city health officer, county health officer or health unit director having jurisdiction.

Facilities also must carry out appropriate infection control procedures as directed by the local health authority.