Inquiry |
Washington[2] |
Oregon[3] |
What is banned? |
All “health care services, procedures, and surgeries that, if delayed, are not anticipated to cause harm to the patient within the next three months.” |
“All elective and non-urgent procedures across all care settings that utilize PPE.” |
PPE confiscation? |
Not as of March 20, 2020. |
Yes, prior to March 27, 2020, entities with surplus PPE supplies must notify the state’s PPE Coordinator by calling (971) 900-9952 and deliver surplus supplies to the PPE Coordinator. |
Are there any exceptions? |
(1) “Does not include outpatient visits delivered in hospital based clinics”; (2) “Does not apply to the full suite of family planning services and procedures or to treatment for patients with emergency/urgent needs” (e.g., heart attack, stroke, or car accidents); and (3) “Hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities may perform any surgery that if delayed or canceled would result in the patient’s condition worsening” (e.g., removing tumor, dental care to relieve pain or manage infection). |
(1) Surgery or procedure is exempt if a three-month delay in procedure or surgery would put the patient at risk or cause irreversible harm; and (2) Non-exhaustive factors for determining “irreversible harm” include (a) threat to patient’s life; (b) threat of irreversible harm to patient’s physical or mental health; (c) threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system; (d) risk of metastasis or progression of staging; and (e) risk of rapidly worsening to severe symptoms (time sensitive). |
Who must comply? |
All hospitals; ambulatory surgical facilities; and dental, orthodontic, and endodontic offices. |
Including, but not limited to, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics (including community health clinics and student health centers), dental clinics, veterinary clinics, etc. |
For how long? |
Until May 18, 2020. |
From March 23, 2020 to June 15, 2020. |
Miscellaneous information |
Examples of procedures that must be delayed include “most joint replacements, most cataract and lens surgeries, non-urgent cardiac procedures, cosmetic procedures, some endoscopy, and some interventional radiology services.” |
“Individuals and entities in other industries that utilize PPE, including but not limited to the commercial, construction, farming, and manufacturing sectors are strongly encouraged to cancel or postpone non-essential uses of PPE.” |
Penalties |
Violators guilty of gross misdemeanor.[4] Potential disciplinary action by licensing board.[5] |
Violators guilty of Class C misdemeanor.[6] Potential disciplinary action by licensing board.[7] |