Widespread testing for the novel Coronavirus is generally recognized as an important tool in combating the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization is an advocate for broad testing, so as to better locate incidents of infection for purposes of isolation, caring, and tracking.
However, the cumulative cost for such testing is significant. In a study commissioned by the … Continue Reading
On July 1, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Gov. Wolf issued a 14-day quarantine recommendation for any individual returning to PA from any of 19 states. The Department expects to adjust the list from time to time to reflect the rise or decrease in COVID-19 cases in states around the country.
Health care practices and facilities should consider … Continue Reading
On June 3, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) issued revised Guidance permitting dental practices to re-open for non-urgent and non-emergent care, including, but not limited to, routine cleanings. Dentists around the State have been awaiting this green light from the DOH, as it has been difficult for practices to re-open without being able to perform routine cleanings.
The … Continue Reading
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) generally requires employers to report and record workplace injuries. OSHA has published revised guidance regarding its recordkeeping requirements for employers. Beginning May 26, 2020 and until further notice, OSHA is requiring most employers with more than 10 employees to record work-related employee COVID-19 illnesses.
While this applies to many … Continue Reading
On May 23, 2020, the PA Department of Health (DOH) revised its guidance for ambulatory surgical facilities (ASFs) to require ASFs that intend to provide COVID-19 testing to patients and staff to hold the appropriate CLIA certification and state laboratory permit to perform such testing.
For specific information on what CLIA certification is required, please see the DOH’s guidance on … Continue Reading
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is keenly aware of the need to protect employees of dental practices returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 11, 2020, OSHA issued an alert listing safety tips employers can follow to help protect dental industry workers from exposure to COVID-19. OSHA’s alert is consistent with the … Continue Reading
In the midst of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic, cybercriminals are targeting healthcare organizations with phishing campaigns, ransomware, and other malicious acts that can adversely impact health information technology, medical response, and patient safety.
Recently, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell issued an Advisory pertaining to such acts, which includes best practices for users and administrators of healthcare organizations to … Continue Reading
***UPDATE: The PA DOH is now permitting dental practices to re-open for non-urgent or elective care. Please see our post summarizing the guidance here: PA Dental Practices Permitted to Re-Open for Routine Cleanings
In Guidance issued May 8, 2020 and May 9, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has now permitted medical and dental practices across the Commonwealth to … Continue Reading
In an effort to meet the increased demand for health care professionals during the current state of emergency and public health emergency, on May 5, 2020, pursuant to DCA Administrative Order No. 2020-05 and DCA Waiver No. W-2020-09, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs announced its Emergency Graduate Licensure Program, established pursuant to a new law signed … Continue Reading
In the continued fight against opioid addiction, Pennsylvania enacted a new law, effective November 27, 2019, that requires prescribers in Pennsylvania to implement additional steps prior to treating a patient’s chronic pain with a controlled substance containing an opioid, including the implementation of an Opioid Treatment Agreement. The new law can be accessed here: Act 112 of 2019.… Continue Reading