The Joint Commission is supporting the use of face masks and respirators brought from home for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic when FDA-approved personal protective equipment is unavailable.
PPE is critically needed by healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic, and the shortage of ventilators is deeply concerning for the sickest COVID-19 patients.
In a March 31 statement, The Joint Commission recognized the nationwide shortage of PPE and recommended that homemade products only be used as an extreme measure when standard PPE cannot be obtained.
It is uncertain how much these homemade products are protecting healthcare workers from the coronavirus, but the evidence suggests that they are having a positive effect, the commission said.
On March 27, The Joint Commission also advocated for the increased use of telehealth services to use less PPE and prevent the spread of COVID-19.