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.
“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:
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.