Dear Provider Partners,
As you know, over the past month California inclusive of the Tri-Counties area has experienced a surge of COVID positive cases and exposures to the virus.
On May 22, 2020 the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) updated its directive to regional centers and their providers on completing Special Incident Reports (SIR) as they relate to COVID-19, and even if the incident does not otherwise meet California Code of Regulations Title 17 reporting criteria. SIRs are required for the following situations:
- An individual tests positive for COVID-19;
- An individual receives medical attention at a hospital, emergency room, or urgent care clinic due to COVID-19 symptoms; or
- An individual’s death is related to COVID-19, either by confirmed COVID-19 positive testing or by medical diagnosis unconfirmed by testing.
The complete DDS directive on COVID-19 reporting can be accessed here.
In addition, DDS requires Regional Centers to report incidents of exposure for individuals served and their staff, and results of COVID testing conducted. Recognizing the increase in reporting related to these incidents, TCRC has adopted a simplifying Excel Spreadsheet for reporting purposes. This new form should be used effective immediately to compile your incidents of COVID-19 exposure, testing and testing results for all individuals you serve and their staff across all of your programs:
COVID Reporting – TCRC Programs Form
In addition to submitting a SIR as required, this form should be emailed to the three TCRC staffs listed within the form. You should simply update this form and resend it as your information changes. You no longer need to submit separate forms for your individuals and staffs as indicated in TCRC’s Communication to providers dated April 1, 2020.
TCRC has also updated our Provider COVID-19 Check List to assist you in taking all of the necessary steps to report a COVID-related incident, and to help protect the health & safety of individuals and staffs.
Thank you for your continued partnership in providing quality services for the individuals we support.
Mark O’Keefe
Acting Director of Community Development