February 1st, 2022

Guidance for LTC Providers

COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Texas. HHSC reminds providers to follow the guidelines listed below and ensure their emergency plan is up to date. Staff must be aware of what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, including an outbreak of flu or COVID-19.

Please review the following rules, guidelines, and policies:

• COVID-19 mitigation and visitation rules for your provider type
• Any applicable COVID-19 response plans for your provider type
• Your organization’s infection prevention and control policies

All provider types must continue to screen residents, clients, staff, and visitors for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Staff for all provider types must continue to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Where required by rules for your provider type, providers must continue effective cohorting of residents based on COVID-19 status.

Find COVID-19 resources for your provider type online:

• The COVID-19 Resources section of your provider portal
• The HHSC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Provider Information page

Your maintaining vigilance in following infection control requirements makes a difference in protecting vulnerable Texans.

LTC providers are always required to provide services to residents before, during, and after any emergency. Your organization’s emergency plan or policy must include:

• Planning for staff shortages
• Back-up plans to ensure operations and care of residents or clients continues

Read program-specific rules related to staffing, emergency preparedness, and infection control:

• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions
• Home and Community-based Services
• Texas Home Living

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed a COVID-19 Healthcare Planning Checklist (PDF) that you can use to assist you in creating a plan for dealing with an outbreak of flu or COVID-19.

For questions, email LTCR Policy.