We are pleased to report, in response to advocacy by IHA, the Department of Health has issued updated guidance on the resumption of non-urgent surgeries/procedures:
Hospitals in all counties may resume non-urgent surgeries/procedures in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Waivers no longer required. Changes to the April 29 hospital guidance include:
- 30% bed capacity threshold no longer required;
- Hospital elective surgery prioritization policy committee must address both inpatient and outpatient procedures and should be responsible for monitoring the Regional Reopening metrics;
- Patient testing revised from 3 to 5 days prior. Test results must be received and reviewed before conducting the surgery or procedure. Exception for emergent surgery/procedure with conditions for testing afterwards;
- Before being admitted for inpatient elective surgery, patients must be coun