COVID-19 Louisiana Update: Louisiana Department of Health Issues Clarifications to Directives Impacting Elective Medical and Dental Procedures and Other Healthcare Services
Laws and regulations are changing rapidly. After the publication of this article they are subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.
On April 24, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) issued additional guidance titled Allowable Medical, Surgical, and Dental Procedures: Update 04/24/2020. According to LDH, this guidance document is intended to simplify and clarify the LDH Healthcare Facility Notice / Order #2020-COVID19-ALL-010 on performing medical and surgical procedures. This guidance document addresses several outstanding questions of providers including, criteria for performing medical or dental procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and recommendations, and COVID-19 testing and follow up of patients.
The LDH April 24th guidance document specifically addresses the following:
- Allowable Procedures
- Facility Requirements
- COVID-19 Precautions
- Professional Medical Judgment
Frequently Asked Questions
A few points of interest to several providers addressed in the LDH April 24th guidance document include:
- Decisions to perform any medical, surgical or dental procedures are up to the discretion of the medical or dental professional performing the particular procedure.
- Facilities or provider that performs an invasive medical, surgical or dental procedures shall contact patients 10 – 14 days after a procedure/encounter to inquire about signs/symptoms and/or testing for COVID-19.
A copy of the LDH April 24th clarification guidance is available at: www.ldh.la.gov/