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Dear Licensee:
This communication serves as a reminder that Executive Order D 2020 027, issued April 6, has extended the temporary cessation of all elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures, whether medical, dental or veterinary, through at least April 26, 2020.
The measure was borne from Executive Order D 2020 009, which originally enacted these limitations beginning March 23 to prioritize essential healthcare services during Colorado’s state of emergency due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Procedures may take place only under the following conditions:
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There is a threat to the patient’s life if the surgery or procedure is not performed.
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There is a threat of permanent dysfunction of an extremity or organ system if the surgery or procedure is not performed.
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There is a risk of metastasis or progression of staging of a disease or condition if a surgery or procedure is not performed.
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There is a risk that the patient’s condition will rapidly deteriorate if the surgery or procedure is not performed, and there is a threat to life, or to an extremity or organ system, or of permanent dysfunction or disability.
Following this criteria, all healthcare professionals need to assess the essential need to provide services on a case-by-case, patient-by-patient basis to ensure compliance with the Order.
The Order affects all hospitals, outpatient surgeries, and procedure providers in an effort to maximize the State’s resources with respect to the preservation of Personal Protective Equipment, and to promote safe personal distancing to reduce putting individuals at great risk of contracting COVID-19. The extension will increase capacity for Colorado’s healthcare system and preserve additional equipment for healthcare workers and patients.
Rural and critical access hospitals -- though strongly advised to follow this guidance to maximize resources -- are exempt from this mandate.
Licensees should check their email and the DORA COVID-19 Updates for Licensees and Consumers site for additional information, as it becomes available.
Dental providers can access the definitions of emergency dental care from the American Dental Association. The American Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association have COVID-19 specific information available on their websites.
General information on symptoms, testing, prevention, quarantine measures and more related to the Coronavirus is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Do not reply to this email - this is not a monitored inbox.
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