Table 1.

Adaptations to PHP monitoring in the era of COVID-19.

PHP intake procedures •Shift to videoconference or phone-based intake sessions

Comprehensive evaluations •Option for evaluations via telehealth to avoid travel and adhere to social distancing guidelines

Treatment center safety measures •Isolation/quarantine of new patients •Daily symptom screening/COVID testing (when available) •Limitations on visitors •Restrictions on therapeutic passes or “commuter” status option •Switch to virtual or videoconferencing-based group therapy and mutual support group meetings •Mask mandates on treatment center campus •Telehealth services for patients receiving lower levels of care

Ongoing interpersonal monitoring •Dissemination of information regarding national and local resources for stress management and crisis intervention •Increased “check-in” contacts by PHP staff •Switch to virtual/videoconferencing-based facilitated monitoring group meetings

Mutual support group meeting attendance •Provision of information regarding online and virtual meetings •Requirement for attendance at in-person meetings suspended in favor of virtual meetings

Toxicology testing • Transition from reliance on frequent urine testing to alternate methods o At-home testing (e.g., salivary and breath testing with chain-of-custody verified through cellular phone video) o Lab-based testing of specimens with longer window of detection (e.g., hair, nail, blood testing) •Arrangements for urine testing by appointment rather than walk-in only •Increased window for providing urine specimen from 6–10 h to up to 48 h