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COVID-19: Gov. Signs Executive Order Allowing Elective Surgeries to Resume

Posted Sunday, May 17th, 2020

May 26 is Resumption Date

Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order No. 145, allowing elective surgeries and invasive procedures, both medical and dental, to resume on Tuesday, May 26. These procedures will resume according to policies to be issued tomorrow, May 18, by the New Jersey Department of Health and the Division of Consumer Affairs.COVID-19: Gov. Signs Executive Order Allowing Elective Surgeries to Resume

 “Due to the incredible work and sacrifice of our residents, we are now positioned to take another vital step forward in New Jersey’s restart and recovery process, ,” said Governor Murphy.

“While still focusing on the importance of our COVID-19 response, our health care systems now have the capacity and resources to resume the critical role of serving their patients and ensuring the health of our communities,” he added.

State Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said facilities must develop plans to test patients for COVID-19 within 72 hours of surgery and conduct symptom screening the day of surgery. Patients who test positive for COVID-19 prior to surgery or who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should not have elective surgical procedures.

This Executive Order directs the Department of Health to address relevant considerations, such as the following:

  • Which types of facilities can resume these procedures;
  • Which specific facilities are eligible to resume these procedures, based upon their current or potential capacity;
  • Whether facilities will be required to prioritize certain procedures, and if so, what considerations should guide these decisions;
  • Personal Protective Equipment requirements for facilities that resume these procedures;
  • Staffing requirements for facilities that resume these procedures;
  • Whether facilities should cohort COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients;
  • Requirements for patients seeking these procedures to undergo testing, self-quarantine, or other preventive measures, as applicable;
  • Policies surrounding visitors;
  • Policies surrounding discharge of patients after the procedures are completed; and
  • Reporting metrics regarding the resumption of these procedures.

Also, by Monday, May 18, the Division of Consumer Affairs will issue policies addressing similar considerations for how elective surgeries and invasive procedures may proceed in outpatient settings that are not licensed by the Department of Health.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 145, click here.