The COVID-19 pandemic landscape continues to be everchanging amid the Omicron surge. We understand how important COVID-19 testing is towards keeping your students and staff, safe, healthy, and in the classroom. Due to nationwide supply chain issues and demand, testing supplies are a critical resource at this moment in time. NMDOH is leveraging as many supports as possible to access supplies for distribution.
In response to our urgent need, we have adapted our distribution strategy to keep our schools and classrooms open and safe to the extent that circumstances allow. Because of this, your next distribution of BD Veritor test kits from PMG may include tests that detect Flu A + B, in addition to COVID-19. This post contains critical information for ensuring that you are in compliance with state and federal regulations should you receive this test in your distribution.
Point of Care Compliance
As always, your school or district is responsible for ensuring you are in compliance with on-site testing regulations. We have provided the following for your convenience:
- Consent forms for Flu A + B, in addition to COVID-19 (Spanish versions are currently in translation and will be distributed soon): Staff, Student
- Instructional PDF for BD Veritor COVID-19/Flu A + B
- Patient Information Sheet for BD Veritor COVID-19/Flu A+B
Unless otherwise directed, you will need to notify DHI and asked that this test name be added to the CLIA Certificate of Waiver that you provided during your program registration. Premier Medical Group has updated their training and protocol to be in compliance for tests they perform for New Mexico schools.
Positive Flu A + B Test Result Protocol
Flu A + B test results do not need to be reported to DOH, but should be shared with the designated family member of the child or staff. We also encourage you to tell families to take the results to their Primary Care Provider for further medical advice, following the typical influenza protocol in your school or district.
We hear and understand the pressure and challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to your families, staff, and community. We want you to know that we are here for you and working towards bringing this difficult time to a close. If you have any questions or need additional documents, please contact info@nmschoolscovidstesting.com, your School Health Advocate, and/or your PMG Regional Manager (contact information listed below).
PMG Regional Manager Contacts
Southwest: Mary Hernandez: 575-496-8272, mary.hernandez@pmgusa.org
Southeast: Adrian Rivas: 915-588-2604, Adrian.rivas@pmgusa.org
Northeast: Jessica Chacon: 505-204-0459, Jessica.chacon@pmgusa.org
Northwest and Albuquerque: Goldie Yandle: 252-725-9707, goldie.yandle@pmgusa.org
School Health Advocate Contacts
Southwest: Crista Pierce, Crista.Pierce@state.nm.us
Southeast: Maricelda Pisana, maricelda.pisana@state.nm.us
Northeast: Kate LaRose, Katherine.larose@state.nm.us
Northwest: Leslie Berry, Leslie.Berry@state.nm.us
Metro: Lynn Wheeler, Barbaral.wheeler@state.nm.us