In an effort to preserve healthcare resources (e.g., personal protective equipment), limit potential contact with infected individuals, and free up healthcare practitioners to assist with those suffering from COVID-19, elective healthcare services must cease. Specifically, on March 20, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-72 (available here), requiring all Florida licensed healthcare practitioners to immediately cease performing elective services in Florida.
A procedure or surgery is prohibited if delaying it does not place the patient’s immediate health at risk and does not worsen a “serious or life-threatening medical condition.” The guidance that follows, which also takes into account guidance provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (available here), is meant to assist you in navigating and complying with this new Executive Order.
Health Care Facilities to which the Executive Order applies:
- Hospitals
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Office Surgery Centers
- Dental, Orthodontic, and Endodontic Offices
- All Other Healthcare Practitioners’ Offices
Healthcare practitioners to which the Executive Order applies:
- All healthcare practitioners licensed in Florida, including dentists
Examples of procedures/surgeries which should not be postponed:
- Removal of cancerous tumors
- Neurosurgery
- Transplants
- Trauma-related procedures
- Cardiac procedures for patients with symptoms
- Limb-threatening vascular surgeries
- Dental care related to the relief of pain and management of infection
Examples of surgeries which should be postponed:
- Carpal tunnel releases
- Colonoscopies
- Cataract and lens surgeries
- Endoscopies
- Non-urgent spine and orthopedic surgeries (e.g., hip or knee replacement, elective spine surgery)
- Elective angioplasties
Executive Order Expires:
- On May 8, 2020, unless Executive Order 20-52 (declaring a Florida State of Emergency), is extended
