Paramount to Northwest Autism Center is the health and wellness of the children and families we serve, and the people we employ.  We continue to follow updated guidelines from the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) Department of Health (DOH), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  We have always implemented a strict preventative approach to the regular cleaning and disinfection of items and surfaces used throughout its day. However, we are taking extra measures in order to keep our clients, families and staff safe.  

Client Viewing

Although families have always been encouraged to view and participate in their child’s treatment, families are not allowed in the clinic space unless prior permission is given. However, video viewing stations will be available at both locations for families to observe treatment.  Individuals must wear a mask while onsite; (NAC will provide if needed).

Pick-up/Drop-off

Families must wear masks at all times, regardless of vaccination status, during pick-up/drop-off inside the facility lobby.  If we are unable to safely maintain 6 feet of social distance due to limited space in the facility lobby, we require families and clients to remain in their vehicles during pick-up/drop-off.  In these cases, a BT and LBA will meet the client outside at family vehicles to pick-up/drop-off clients each day.  Extreme weather conditions may require a temporary change to this latter requirement, and will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.

Symptom Checks

All staff and clients are screened daily for viral symptoms and temperatures (using a ‘no-touch’ thermometer) taken on all clients and employees prior to clinic session.  For clients, this is completed prior to entering the treatment areas (either in the facility lobby or outside at the family vehicle).  If client exceeds a temperature of 100.4 they are not allowed to attend clinic session and cannot return until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, per Spokane Regional Health District guidelines.  

Masks

We require all staff and client families to wear masks while on the premises, regardless of vaccination status. At this time, all staff working directly with clients are required to wear N95/KN95 masks, in accordance with current CDC recommendations.  We understand and anticipate that wearing masks may present challenges for some of our young clients, and may require a tiered approach to implementation in individual cases.  We provide both washable and disposable masks.  All washable masks are discarded in a designated bin to be washed daily. Social distancing is maintained as much as possible.   

Family Training

To limit group gathering and reduce traffic onsite, we make every effort to conduct family training remotely via Telehealth using Microsoft Teams, a HIPAA compliant platform.  In limited situations and on a case-by-case basis, we will allow onsite family training upon review and approval by NAC clinical leadership.

Visitors and Administrative Staff

In an effort to reduce the number of individuals within the clinical space, visitor restrictions are in place and administration staff will continue to primarily work remotely off-site, with the exception of very few key positions.   Visitors and administration staff are required to complete symptom check (including temperature) prior to entry, wear appropriate mask, maintain 6 feet distance from others and follow all other NAC safety procedures.