In response to input received from Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), the Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio Department of Medicaid collaborated to create this guidance about standards of care for vulnerable populations in hospital settings.

Guidance: COVID-19 Standards of Care for Vulnerable Populations

DODD has also developed family-specific guidance to explain this information.

Going to the hospital for needed care can be a stressful event for people with disabilities and families during any visit. During the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and state of emergency, families could be even more anxious about a visit. Here is what you can expect when visiting hospitals and medical facilities during COVID-19.

• What COVID-19 Standards of Care for Vulnerable Populations Means for Families

Before going to get care, it is a good idea to be prepared for your visit. Below are resources to help ensure care providers are familiar with the needs of the person, particularly if you were to be separated.

• COVID-19 Disability Form
  • This COVID-19 Disability Form can help physicians provide people with disabilities with proper medical treatment in case they go to the hospital for COVID-19-related symptoms.
• OACB COVID-19 Hospital Transfer Form
  • This is the Ohio Association of County Boards’s (OACB) patient summary for people with disabilities.
• One-Page Person-Centered Description 
  • This explains a one-page person-centered description.
• My Health Passport Form
  • This form is to help health care professionals know important medical information for a person with disabilities.
• My Health Passport Form – Spanish
  • En espanol: This form is to help health care professionals know important medical information for a person with disabilities.

When visiting hospitals for medical care, you may have concerns about getting fair and equal care, as well as knowing what people’s rights are when receiving care. Below are some resources about making sure you get appropriate and fair care, and that your rights are honored.

• Safeguard against Disability Discrimination during COVID-19
  • This is a fact sheet from the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities that helps people safeguard against disability discrimination during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
• Do You Know Your Rights with COVID-19?
  • This resource explains the rights of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.