The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) recently issued an emergency temporary standard (“ETS”) regarding COVID-19 for certain types of health care workplaces. The ETS became effective on June 21, 2021.
We can help your practice get up to date and prepared to minimize breach risks from third-party vendors. Subscribe to stay current and up to date on important matters that will impact your practice. (To subscribe to our blog click here).
OSHA initially received criticism for not enacting guidance earlier in the pandemic, but has now released governing rules. The ETS is for certain healthcare entities, but separate guidance exists for non-healthcare entities.
The ETS is aimed at protecting health care workers most likely to get COVID-19 through their employment. The ETS applies to:
- Hospital employees,
- Nursing home and assisted living employees,
- First responders,
- Home health care workers, and
- Ambulatory care facility employees.
Pursuant to the ETS, covered employers have many obligations. Some of the requirements include:
- Developing and implementing a COVID-19 plan,
- Designation of a COVID-19 safety coordinator,
- Employee screening,
- Social distancing and provision of masks,
- Training,
- Record-keeping and reporting.
If you need help determining if the ETS applies to you or your practice, reach out to your healthcare attorney. Rickard & Associates helps clients determine if they are covered and helps prepare a COVID-19 plan.
If you would like more guidance, OSHA has published a helpful list of frequently asked questions. Find the FAQs HERE.
Let us know if you have implemented your COVID-19 plan by commenting below.
We publish vital information on health law topics and news every Wednesday and Friday. To get this important information delivered directly to your mail box, click here to Subscribe.
Do you need help with updating your Business Associate Agreement or negotiating contracts with third-party vendors? We can help. To contact us about your Business Associate Agreement, your vendor contracts or your other legal needs: CLICK HERE.
