Oregon Announces Plan to Lift Ban on Non-Urgent Procedures on May 1st
On April 23, 2020, Governor Brown announced that the order banning non-urgent procedures for Oregon’s hospitals, clinics, surgical centers, and dental offices will be lifted as of May 1, 2020.
With this announcement, medical providers must demonstrate they have the ability to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to patients and healthcare workers, maintain adequate hospital capacity in case the number of COVID-19 cases surge, and the providers must have the ability to support the health care workforce in safely resuming these activities.
The announcement clarified that medical providers must demonstrate that they have adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs), COVID-testing capacity, and the ability to follow strict protocols. Moreover, Oregon clarified that non-urgent procedures does not mean minor.
The Oregon Health Authority has provided the framework for hospitals and surgical centers as well as medical and dental clinics.
Federal Bill Approving Additional COVID-19 Funding Signed into Law
Today, April 24, 2020, the President signed a bill into law that provides more federal financial relief to businesses affected by COVID-19.
As previously mentioned, the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. CARES Act provides financial relief programs for businesses including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Recovery Loan (EIDL) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans. However, the first part of funding for these programs was exhausted during the week of April 13th. This new bill allocates another $310 billion to the PPP, $50 billion more to EIDL and $10 billion more to EIDL grants.
Cascade will continue to keep you updated with COVID-19 related news, both at the state and federal level. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.