Using Face Coverings to Keep Each Other Safe
At every AdventHealth location across Florida, face coverings have helped ensure we give and receive the safest possible care. We’re continuing our commitment to reducing the spread of illnesses by updating our masking policy to give our team members, patients and visitors options while staying safe.
Our AdventHealth Face Covering Policy
Our face covering policy at AdventHealth aligns with Florida Statutes and defines the appropriate use of face coverings for infection control for our team members, patients and visitors. Here’s what this means for you.
- When Health Care Providers Can Choose to Require People to Wear Face Coverings
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For Patients
Health care practitioners and providers may choose to require a patient to wear a face covering only when the patient is in a common area of the health care setting and is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission.
For Visitors
Health care practitioners and providers may choose to require a visitor to wear a face covering only when the visitor is:
- Exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission
- In a sterile area of the health care setting or an area where sterile procedures are being performed
- In an inpatient or clinical room with a patient who is exhibiting signs or symptoms of or has a diagnosed infectious disease that can be spread through droplet or airborne transmission
- Visiting a patient whose treating health care practitioner has diagnosed the patient with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase the risk of infection transmission from a person without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient, and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of face coverings is necessary for the patient’s safety.
- Provisions for People Who Opt Out of Wearing Face Coverings
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For Patients
Health care practitioners and providers who choose to require a face covering for any patient must provide a provision for opting out of wearing a face covering in accordance with the Florida Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, section 381.026.F.S., such as a private room where transmission-based precautions can be practiced, or the use of telemedicine evaluation.
For Visitors
Health care practitioners and providers who choose to require a face covering for any visitor must provide a provision for opting out of wearing a face covering if an alternative method of infection control or infectious disease prevention is available. Examples of opt-out provisions for visitors include the use of televisits or a physical barrier, such as a glass window or plexiglass wall between the visitor and patient.
- When Team Members Are Required to Wear Face Coverings
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AdventHealth workforce members may opt out of wearing face coverings unless they are:
- Conducting a sterile procedure
- Working in a sterile area
- Working with a patient whose treating health care practitioner has diagnosed the patient with or confirmed a condition affecting the immune system in a manner which is known to increase the risk of infection transmission from a workforce member without signs or symptoms of infection to a patient, and whose treating practitioner has determined that the use of face coverings is necessary for the patient’s safety
- With a patient on droplet or airborne isolation
- Engaging in non-clinical, potentially hazardous activities that require face coverings to prevent physical injury or harm in accordance with industry standards
- Defining the Terms in This Policy
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Here are the definitions for each of the terms used in our face covering policy:
Face Covering
A well-fitting, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)-rated or comparable face mask and should:
- Completely cover the nose and mouth
- Fit snugly against the nasal bridge and sides of the face and not have any gaps
- Be handled only by the ear loops, cords or head straps (not the surface of the mask)
- Be changed if they become visibly soiled, damaged or hard to breathe through
- Do NOT combine two (2) medical masks to achieve a snug fit
Health Care Setting
Any place where health care practitioners and/or providers practice their profession or provide services.
Workforce Members
All individuals, employed and non-employed, who perform tasks and/or provide services at or on behalf of an AdventHealth facility as defined in policy CW HR 001.
Patient
A person receiving services from a health care practitioner or provider.
Visitor
Any person in a health care setting who is not a workforce member or patient of the health care setting.
Common Area
Areas in a health care setting where patients are not treated, diagnosed or examined.
Sterile Areas
Locations where surgery is conducted or where procedures that require aseptic techniques are performed.
Sterile Procedures
Aseptic procedures with the goal of minimizing the risk of microbial contamination to reduce the rate of invasive or surgical site infection.