The Louisiana Department of Health issued a notice on March 18, mandating postponement of elective medical and surgical procedures for the next 30 days in an effort to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. The notice supersedes an earlier notice issued by the Department that, among other things, recommended, but did not require, limiting and restricting elective or voluntary medical procedures for 30 days.
The March 18 notice specifically directs and requires postponement of all medical and surgical procedures that, in the medical opinion and judgment of the physician or other applicable healthcare professional acting within the scope of his/her license, can be safely postponed for a period of 30 days. The directive applies to all licensed health care facilities in Louisiana as well as all health care professionals licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners or the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, and the referenced 30 day period runs from March 19 through April 21.
Click here to view the March 18 notice.
