We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment as a foremost priority. Only through a collaborative effort can we promote wellness and avoid illness transmission.
Studies show that even the common cold can negatively impact cognitive functioning. We want to get a sense of true functioning, under typical conditions. We work in very close proximity to testing participants and share materials. Out of respect for our health and those for whom we are responsible, we follow CDC guidelines with fidelity and take extra precaution. This means that you should not come to our office if you:
* have had a fever in the last 2 days. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for at least 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
* have been ill with vomiting or diarrhea in the last 3 days. Norovirus is highly contagious and remains so even after you're feeling better. Infected people are contagious when they have symptoms but also spread it a few days before and after they have symptoms.
* are actively coughing or sneezing
* need to take medication to be okay
* believe you were exposed to Covid-19, flu, norovirus, or other highly-transmissible illness
* have an unexplained rash
We will not test anyone who is symptomatic--but we will prioritize a rescheduled appointment, so please be in touch!
tips for timing of assessment
All testing sessions are conducted with thoughtful planning to optimize experience and results. We ask that you contact us early to develop assessment plans that promote comfort, efficiency, and safety.
A few things to avoid: scheduling testing to coincide with a major life change (i.e., first day of school, birth of a sibling, start of a new job); scheduling testing for a time when the participant might be unusually tired (i.e., returning from travel to a different time zone, the morning after Halloween/late event); scheduling testing right after a medical procedure/vaccination or while medication is being adjusted.
Various aspects of cognitive functioning should be examined in the morning for a good baseline reading and many tests have been standardized on this expectation.
safety measures within WPA offices
We operate independently under the guidance of the DC Department of Health for healthcare facilities. Please note that every provider has her own medical profile, risk tolerance, family considerations, and other factors. There is no singular office safety policy such that each provider can independently determine under what conditions she is best able to provide services. That said, consideration, communication, and caution remain core expectations.
No assessment work should occur when either party is sick, suspects they may be sick, or is unsure of health status. If either clinician or client has any concerns at all about health, they are expected to stay home and we will prioritize rescheduling. If either clinician or client is aware of exposure to someone with COVID-19, flu, norovirus, etc., staying home or masking is appreciated. Anyone who has symptoms or is awaiting COVID test results is expected to remain home. An appointment can be made via telehealth or rescheduled once 5 days has elapsed if no symptoms emerge or a negative COVID-19 test is rendered after sufficient wait time (optimally 5 days post potential exposure). In cases of uncertainty, we ask that you please mask.
face masks
We will honor your preference if you either want to wear one or have your provider take that step. At peak illness times (Covid surges, winter months, following travel, etc.), a return to this practice may be requested.
physical distancing
We will maintain space as best as possible in the assessment interaction, but all clients should know that there are commonly intervals of closer contact (i.e., to retrieve/switch materials). Because we work so closely together, it is especially important for participants to be healthy.
hand washing & sanitizing
Visitors are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water upon arrival to the building and after snacking--both to guard against germs and to protect testing materials. Hand sanitizer is plentiful in our suite.
cleaning, disinfection & ventilation
Housekeeping practices include routine cleaning and disinfecting of work surfaces, equipment, and shared spaces such as restrooms and lobby areas. Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be conducted by clinicians in high-touch areas such door handles, computers, testing materials, etc. Testing participants will have ongoing access to sanitizer. We continue to utilize high quality air purifiers.
vaccination
All of our providers met expectations set by Mayor Muriel Bowser and DC Health for health care workers in the District of Columbia.
reporting
Communicate. It might be hard, but we ask that anyone who becomes symptomatic or tests positive for illness after meeting, let us know. There’s no blame or shame. There is risk of preventable harm if you do not disclose. We will be transparent in the office, and ask the same of our clients.