Case managers in the Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled department have been working in the office one day per week since 11-16-20, which was a reduction from 2 office days prior. This is despite the MDHHS guidelines in place that state "individuals must work from home
unless their work cannot feasibly be performed remotely." Employees are now being increased to two days again effective next week, 2-22-21, with the expectation to do in-person/home visits on at least one of those days. Telehealth has been in place to meet the expectations of the job remotely since the health advisory and this is still in place. CMHA-CEI's PHP continues to state that there is no change in the guidelines for the use of telehealth as a method of practice. It has been suggested by the department that case managers can have multiple in-person visits per day. Yes, PPE is provided, and the use of a screening tool is in place. An in-person visit for billing purposes is 15 minutes face-to-face. Going into homes is placing employees at risk when telehealth is an option, as well as to work remote. MIOSHA has a rule that employers have to create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be performed remotely. There have been no changes as to how this can be done remotely via telehealth per MSHN (Mid-State Health Network).
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2021-02-18
Source: Osha.gov | Receipt Date: 2021-02-18
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