In consultation with the Ministry of Health, we have been able to update our guidance on the screening of patients/clients in schools to include electronic communication. See our update in our school reopening FAQs and highlighted below:
Is the self-screener completed before school by the student (or their guardian) sufficient for commencing in person (at school) occupational therapy services?
Yes and no. Yes, if you are only observing a student in the classroom, then you can rely on the student’s (or guardian’s) completion of the self-screen.
No, if you are going to withdraw or provide individual assessment or intervention with a student, then you must also follow the Ministry of Health’s Directive #2 for Health Care Providers and an active COVID-19 screen must be completed.
Within Directive #2 is a reference to the COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart which states patients should be screened over the phone and again on site for symptoms of COVID-19 before engaging in appointments.
[Updated] In consultation with the Ministry of Health, the College has confirmed that while over the phone or on site is suggested, sending or receiving screening results electronically (i.e. via email) may also be appropriate. Occupational therapists are reminded that all transmission of electronic client information should comply with privacy and confidentiality requirements.
For individual assessment/intervention, the active COVID-19 screening must occur the same day as the in-school visit and ideally as close to the visit as possible. Whether the parents/guardian is included in the screening process will depend on factors such as the student’s capacity to participate in the screening, parent/guardian consent, etc. Please note that the COVID-19 screener is the minimum expectation and should be done in combination with clinical judgment and collateral information.
If you have questions, please contact our Practice Team at 1.800.890.6570 ext. 240, or [email protected]. You can also visit our COVID-19 web page for additional resources and information.