AG Grewal Announces Action by Division of Consumer Affairs to Pave Pathway for Healthcare Providers to Resume Routine Care and Elective Procedures
NEWARK – Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced today that the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (“the Division”) has issued policies to allow healthcare professionals to resume non-urgent care and elective procedures in outpatient settings, as the State loosens restrictions put in place early in the battle against COVID-19. The Division’s policies, contained in an Administrative Order issued yesterday, identify precautions and limitations to protect patients, practitioners, and office staff from the continued risks posed by COVID-19.
The Division’s action comes after Governor Phil Murphy on Friday issued Executive Order No. 145, which allows elective surgeries and invasive procedures, whether medical or dental, to resume effective Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 5:00 a.m. A previous Executive Order has prohibited all elective surgeries and invasive procedures performed on adults since March 27, 2020, in order to preserve personal protective equipment and protect the capacity of the State’s healthcare system.
The Division’s policies require practitioners to limit person-to-person contact in the office, facilitate social distancing in the office, adopt enhanced office cleaning and disinfection practices, establish rigorous protections for staff, and stay informed about new developments and guidance related to COVID-19. Additional safeguards apply to healthcare professionals providing care that involves direct contact with a patient’s face, eyes, or mouth, or present a high risk of aerosolization, including dentists, oral surgeons, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists and eye care professionals.
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