NSM Announces New Protocols for COVID-19 Pandemic

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Mar 18, 2020

National Seating & Mobility (NSM) has launched new activities and processes nationwide as the world deals with the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

NSM tapped its own Disaster Preparedness Task Force as it continued to also follow the infection control policies required by The Joint Commission as part of NSM’s accreditation.

The goal is to not only protect NSM employees and clients, but also to ensure that those clients continue to receive the support and service they need for their complex rehab technology (CRT).

Bill Mixon, NSM’s CEO, said in a March 17 announcement, “We recognized the impact this pandemic would have on our clients and activated a COVID-19 task force in response. Our clients need continuity of care during this unprecedented situation, and that includes uninterrupted access to assistive technology providers, mobility equipment and repair services.”

The new protocols include screening procedures before all personal client interactions, and limiting visitors to NSM offices. Only clients and the people who support them are allowed into NSM branch offices at this time.

The announcement also noted, “NSM is working with referral sources to extend a variety of alternative appointment options for clients, including the use of telehealth where compliant and appropriate. A COVID-19 resource center has been created for employees, providing information and updates related to the virus, and a hotline has been activated for employees with COVID-19 questions.”

“We continue to monitor and make decisions based on the guidelines set forth by the government, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and health officials,” Mixon said. “We will also continue to be guided by our mission and core values as we strive to make decisions that balance the safety of our associates with our commitments to serve our clients.”