August 2021 Clinical Policy Updates
As we head into fall and a return to school for many families that coincides with increased COVID infection and transmission rates due to the Delta variant, I would like to share some updated clinical policies and guidelines that will take effect immediately until further notice. After lots of consideration of the current infection and hospitalization rates locally and nationally, data on infection complications in pregnant and postpartum clients, and my own personal and family needs, I have made the decision to enact the following clinical policies to help ensure the health and safety of my clients and their families:
In-Office Masking
- All clients, family members, and clinical staff are required to wear masks during office visits, regardless of vaccination status. All clinical staff will be vaccinated and family members are strongly encouraged to get their vaccines, too.
- At this time, partners, support people, young children and babies are still welcome to attend visits if they show no signs of cough, fever, nausea, chest pain, etc. Adults and children over the age of 5 will be asked to wear a mask at all times during in-person clinic visits.
Active Symptoms of Infection
Any client who is either showing symptoms themselves or has been exposed to anyone with either active symptoms of cough, fever, etc. OR known COVID infection in the previous 5 days will be asked to:
- Reschedule their in-person appointment to telehealth unless absolutely clinically necessary
- Get COVID testing done that day and notify the clinic of their results
On-Going Clincal Policies and Resources
Midwife
- Lena has been fully vaccinated with two doses of the Moderna vaccine and a booster in October 2021 and will continue to follow all CDC and state guidelines for PPE, social distancing, vaccination recommendations, etc.
- If Lena has any symptoms or have potentially been exposed, she will immediately get tested, notify any exposed clients, and reschedule in-person visits until she is cleared to return to work.
Clinic Visits
- Clients and their partner/s and children will be required to wear masks per CDC and Washington DOH Guidelines. We recognize the systemic barriers to childcare and will continue to allow children during visits, but encourage clients to minimize the number of people they bring with them as best as possible.
- Clients and their guests will be screened at the beginning of their visit about any symptoms or exposure. Individuals with positive screenings will be directed to a Pierce County Covid testing site and their appointment will be rescheduled in-person or via telehealth per test results. At-home covid testing kits can be ordered here.
- Office space will be cleaned and disinfected between each patient visit.
- A medical-grade (H13) HEPA air purifier runs during clinic hours.
- Patient visits will be scheduled with ample space between appointments to allow for adequate cleaning.
Covid-19 Vaccine & Pregnancy
- None of the three vaccines currently available in the US contain live virus, so pregnant and lactating parents cannot contract coronavirus from the vaccine, nor pass it on to their babies.
- Pregnancy is considered a “high-risk” medical condition by the CDC. As of 4/2/2021, the Covid vaccine will be available to any Washingtonian age 12 and up. This includes pregnant and lactating parents.
- ACOG Clinical Guidance for Covid-19: Read the latest recommendations on vaccination during pregnancy.
Think You Might Have Covid-19?
Take the CDC Self-Checker assessment to assess your risk and get guidance on next steps.
Already Vaccinated?
We still need more data on the outcomes of vaccination in pregnant and lactating individuals.
Consider participating in the v-safe pregnancy registry so researchers can learn more.