MDH Update: Elective and Non-Urgent Procedures

Maryland Adds New Condition to Resuming Elective and Non-Urgent Procedures and Appointments

On November 17, 2020, the Maryland Department of Health issued Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters, MDH 2020-11-17-01 . This Directive and Order adds the following new measures that health care providers must implement to resume elective and non-urgent procedures:

(1) The licensed healthcare facility or healthcare provider must ensure that there is adequate capacity to meet the needs of the COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 patients prior to resumption of elective and non-urgent surgical services.

(2) All licensed healthcare providers and healthcare facilities shall exercise individual independent professional judgment in determining what procedures and appointments are urgent and nonelective. MDH recommends that healthcare providers and facilities using an algorithm and/or methodology (e.g. MeNTS protocol supported by the American College of Surgeons) on how they will curtail and/or suspend elective and non-urgent cases when additional patient capacity is required.

https://www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2020/covid-scoringsystem0414 . https://www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2020/covid-scoringsystem0414/worksheet

This is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to be legal. Please contact your attorney for additional information on this subject matter.