Simplified return-to-work guidelines

October 10, 2023 Providence Provider Update News Team

PROVIDENCE OREGON – As the likelihood of increased respiratory disease transmission increases during the fall and winter, it’s important to take additional precautions to keep each other, our patients and communities safe.

Returning to work after illness

If you do become ill, it is important to follow these guidelines before returning to work.

For COVID-19: If you test positive, regardless of whether you have symptoms or not, contact caregiver health services at 949-534-4450. Clearance for returning to work must be provided by caregiver health services.
For respiratory illness such as flu and RSV, but confirmed negative for COVID:
- You do not need to contact the caregiver health to report your illness or to be cleared to return to work.
- You may return to work once:
  - You’ve been fever-free for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  - AND your symptoms improving/resolving.
For other potentially communicable diseases, follow the return-to-work criteria in the Communicable Disease Management Guidelines posted on the Caregiver Service Portal.
See chart for more information.
Remote workers do not need to report to caregiver health service center and may work as soon as they feel well enough.

*Note: In addition to the above COVID return-to-work criteria, Home and Community Care (HCC) caregivers must also have negative COVID test before returning to work.

COVID exposures

Were you recently exposed to someone with COVID? Check in with caregiver health on what to do for high-risk exposures, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Masking guidelines

Masks are currently required for any patient-facing encounters in Oregon hospitals, in all inpatient units and emergency departments.

Workforce members must adhere to current local masking requirements. Workforce members must also follow federal and state OSHA, local health authority, and facility standards for respiratory protection.
Infection prevention tools such as universal masking may be implemented based on a variety of local factors, including disease levels in the community, patient population served and public health requirements. These factors, alongside CDC ESSENCE data, will guide local decision-making regarding masks.
Please check with your core leader if you have any questions about current requirements. Core leaders can check with their local infection prevention leader for updates.

We can all work together to keep each other and our patients safe by adhering to local masking guidelines and following the appropriate return-to-work guidelines after having been sick.

Welcome to your journey for creating a healthier you

Simplified return-to-work guidelines

Returning to work after illness

COVID exposures

Masking guidelines

Previous Article

Next Article

Simplified return-to-work guidelines

Returning to work after illness

COVID exposures

Masking guidelines

Previous Article

Next Article

Most Recent Articles

This free event at Providence Portland Medical Center is presented by the Oregon regional surgery and orthopedics program, and includes a buffet dinner.

Caregiver masks will be highly recommended for most patient-facing encounters in hospitals and clinics.

Learn how we’re improving surgical efficiency with a new system to automatically schedule elective surgeries at acute-care facilities.

Learn about a gift being made to support Oregon’s physician wellness programs, in this message from Central Division’s chief medical officer, Dr. Elizabeth Ransom.

The cameras will further enhance the safety of our caregivers, patients and visitors. Learn what to expect, review the policy, and see answers to questions.

The event is open to all employed Providence Oregon physicians and advance practice providers who work in the inpatient setting.

Caregivers and clinicians are invited to earn continuing education credits by joining online and in-person events.

Every year, caregivers from Providence and its family of organizations must refresh our knowledge of workplace safety and complete the HazCom education. This is required by OSHA.

New guidance for respiratory viruses is aimed at protecting communities; not health care settings. If you’re sick, stay home.

Developed by Providence, MedPearl was written by clinicians for clinicians to help improve exam room workflow for patient care and referral management.

Please revert to normal e-prescribing workflows and stop using paper prescriptions.

The FDA just approved a new immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. Dr. Walter Urba shares how Providence’s participation in the clinical study shows our standing as a global leader in immuno-oncology.

Caregivers and clinicians are invited to earn education credits by joining upcoming online and in-person events. They will feature industry updates from expert speakers.

Hyperdrive is Epic’s new web browser, and a new way to access daily Epic activities. See the details and support options.

See the steps you can take to report events of violence in the workplace, as well as why it’s so important for everyone’s safety.

Code gray emergency response teams are available at all Providence Oregon hospitals. See also pre-code gray support and resources for emergency response outside hospital campuses.

Caregivers and clinicians must wear masks for all patient encounters – both inpatient and outpatient. For patients and visitors, masks continue to be highly recommended – and required in some areas.

With this pilot on our large campuses, simply download the app, register with your work email address and set up a ride with others. Liftango replaces the ride program for inclement weather.

To reinforce workplace safety training at Providence, please review key practices to help prevent violence in health care settings. This week, learn about communicating risk for violence.

After 35 years dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people across Oregon, William will conclude his work as Oregon’s chief executive in 2024.