Today, Governor John Bel Edwards and the newly appointed Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Courtney Phillips announced that next Monday, April 27, doctors, dentists and medical clinics can begin performing certain medical procedures again. This order also authorizes non-emergency treatments and surgeries that are deemed as “time-sensitive” by a patient’s medical provider, but were halted under the provisions of the COVID-19 Stay at Home order.
The revised guidance states medical and surgical procedures shall only be performed under the following conditions:
• in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
• to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease;
and for time sensitive conditions.
Additionally, the order states dental visits, procedures and surgeries shall only be performed under the following conditions:
• in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
• to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease;
• and for time sensitive dental conditions.
Before facilities perform any procedure, each much have a plan in place to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms or test if possible; to ensure adequate physical distance between patients; must have a five-day minimum supply of PPE available; and must follow additional guidance outlined in the order. For more information on the new order and the full guidance from LDH, click http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/providers/LDH-MEMO-UPDATE-RESTORE-MED-SURG-Procedures.pdf
Categories: News
