Date

The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19").

In addition to the changes indicated in the MO HealthNet Private Duty Nursing Services Bulletin Volume 42, No. 32 dated March 17, 2020, effective immediately and until the end of the public health emergency due to COVID-19, the following additional changes are implemented for private duty nursing services:

Assistant Nursing Supervisor

An LPN with three (3) years’ experience may act as the assistant supervisor under the RN supervisor. One (1) year of experience must be in high acuity pediatric nursing care in a hospital, home care agency or residential setting. The assistant nursing supervisor may be responsible for case conferences with staff nurses, documenting the conferences, developing plan of care after the initial plan of care has been established by an RN, training and evaluation of direct care staff and other duties delegated by the Nursing Supervisor.

TB Testing

Centers for Disease Control guidelines regarding tuberculosis (TB) screening, testing, treatment and education are to be followed. (The current requirement is to perform annual TB testing.)