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Gov. Edwards Allows Non-Emergency Procedures Beginning April 27

John Bel Edwards Administration
/
John Bel Edwards Administration

Louisiana Department of Health issued a revised order for medical and surgical procedures allowing non-emergency procedures to resume on Monday, April 27, 2020.

“Health care facilities play a critical role in responding to COVID-19 and helping people be their healthiest,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “We are quite some time away from returning to normal but this is a step in the right direction.”

The revised guidance opens procedures under the following conditions:

  • in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
  • to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease; and
  • for time sensitive conditions. 

The order also allows dental visits, procedures and surgeries:

  • in order to treat an emergency medical condition;
  • to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease; and
  • for time sensitive dental conditions.

Before facilities perform any procedure, LDH is requiring plans to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms or test if possible; to ensure adequate physical distance between patients; a have a five-day minimum supply of PPE available; and additional guidance outlined in the order.
The previous order allowed surgeries only for emergency medical conditions.

This order does not mean that all containment measures can be lifted across all facilities and specialties. The order explains that healthcare services other than medical and surgical procedures should continue to happen via telehealth when medically appropriate.

Click here to read the full order from the Louisiana Department of Health.