This document provides guidance for Healthcare Facilities (HCF) to conserve the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by health care personnel when providing care to patients/residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. All HCF must implement plans to conserve PPE for DC’s most vulnerable patients, frontline healthcare workers, and first responders should supply become inadequate to meet current or projected demand. Note: PPE alone is not a substitute for social distancing or for fully addressing the occupational hazard of COVID-19. For more information see cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default.html.

PPE is used to protect healthcare personnel (HCP) and patients/residents from the transmission of infectious pathogens. These requirements apply to any facility, entity, or individual that provides inpatient or outpatient healthcare services and is either licensed by DC Health or functions as an independent private practice through a certificate of need. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of HCF: hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF), Assisted Living Residences (ALR), Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), Chapter 34 and 35 Community Residence Facilities (CRF) and Home Health Agencies. These requirements should also be strongly considered in the following settings: hospice, behavioral health facilities, or any other settings where health services are provided.