Some necessary medical, dental procedures may go forward, Nevada governor announces
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced late Tuesday that the Nevada Hospital Association was preparing to resume some “medically necessary” elective procedures in the coming days — the first sign that some restrictions put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 may be eased in the coming weeks.
Unlike many other industries that were temporarily closed by emergency order, Sisolak never issued an order legally curtailing such procedures. State hospitals had instead sought to postpone unnecessary hospital visits on their own, especially as they geared up for an influx of coronavirus infections during March.
In a statement, Sisolak said hospitals would determine which procedures could be defined as medically necessary under set metrics, including clinical judgment, existing guidelines and the availability of personal protective equipment.
Sisolak also said a memorandum outlining steps for a phased-in resumption of necessary dental services will soon be issued by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The governor also stressed that medical appointments “will appear different” than they once did, including the addition of screening questions, temperature checks and requests to wash hands or rinse mouths before examinations.
— This story was used with permission of The Nevada Independent. Go here for updates to this and other stories.