The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was sudden and devastating, and even as the threat levels subside, the fallout endures. To be sure, the healthcare industry has long been on the forefront of battling the threat to public health posed by COVID-19. While there has been a broad and varied governmental response to the multitude
Healthcare
Four Key Takeaways from the American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration Annual Conference
The American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) recently held an incredibly useful conference bringing together healthcare human resources leaders from around the country. Here are four key takeaways from that gathering of thought leaders.
- Employee Engagement Impacts Patient Care and Revenue
While this may seem self-evident to those on the front lines,…
Cal/OSHA to Vote on Third Readoption of ETS
Though California has mostly lifted COVID-19 requirements statewide, the Cal/OSHA Standards Board is not planning to let the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) expire. Per Governor Newsom’s executive order, the expiration of the second readoption of the ETS was extended to May 6, 2022, but the Cal/OSHA’s Standards Board has posted a notice that it…
OSHA Partially Opens Record on Rulemaking for Permanent Healthcare COVID-19 Standard
OSHA has just announced it is partially reopening the record on the rulemaking for the permanent healthcare COVID-19 standard known as the rule on Occupational Exposure to COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings. Comments are due by April 22, 2022. The docket number is OSHA-2020-0004. Following the written comments, there will also be a hearing held online…
Expedited Renewal Processing for Foreign Nationals in Healthcare
The onset and persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the shortage of healthcare workers in the United States, especially in rural areas. Periodic spikes in infection levels has sped burn-out among healthcare workers. There are many foreign nationals who can and do fill these healthcare roles including those in Temporary Protected Status (TPS)…
COVID-19 State Updates
Several cities, states, counties and Puerto Rico have made updates to their COVID-19-related laws, regulations and orders. See below for the latest news.
California
…
Fifth Circuit Grants, In Part, Motion to Stay Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid COVID-19 Vaccine Rule
On December 15, 2021, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals granted, in part, the federal administration’s motion to stay the nationwide preliminary injunction enjoining the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate nationwide as to non-plaintiff states. Louisiana et al v. Becerra et al., No. 3:12-cv-03970 (W.D. La. December…
A Busy Day in Court For COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Healthcare
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to enjoin New York State from enforcing its regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers despite the fact that the regulation did not allow for religious accommodations. The Court did not issue any written opinion or rationale but was accompanied by a 14-page dissent by Justice Gorsuch.
Meanwhile,…
Nationwide Preliminary Injunction on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Enforcing COVID-19 Vaccine Rule
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana has granted a preliminary injunction enjoining the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccine mandate nationwide. Read more.
What Healthcare Employers Need to Know About the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Vaccine Mandate
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) establishing the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for staff employed at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers. Read more.