OHA COVID-19 Temporary Rules and Updated Guidance

March 10, 2020—On March 9, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued temporary rules and updated guidance in response to the spread of COVID-19. The temporary rules are effective March 9, 2020 through September 4, 2020.

OHA Temporary Rules

A. COVID-19 Definition and Reporting Requirements

OAR 333-017-0800 and OAR 333-018-0900 add a definition of COVID-19 and add COVID-19 to the list of diseases reportable within 24 hours. Healthcare providers shall report all cases of COVID-19 within 24 hours. Labs shall report all test results indicative of and specific for COVID-19 within 24 hours and all negative test results for COVID-19 within one working day. Reports are made to the local public health authority. If healthcare providers are not able to reach the local public health authority in the specified time limit, please report to the Oregon Health Authority (phone 971-673-1111).

B. Minimizing COVID-19 Transmission 

In addition, that OHA is also adopting OAR 333-019-1000 relating to exclusion from schools, children’s facilities, food service facilities, and healthcare facilities. An individual with COVID-19 cannot attend or work in schools or children’s facilities, or work in healthcare facilities or food service facilities. Individuals with a substantial exposure to COVID-19, as determined by local public health authorities, must also be excluded by a school administrator from children’s facilities and schools. The local public health administrator or local health officer can remove restrictions if the disease is no longer communicable to others or adequate precautions have been taken to minimize the risk of transmission. Healthcare facilities are required to adopt policies regarding restricting employees with COVID-19 or employees with a substantial exposure to COVID-19.
 
The temporary rule is linked here .

OHA Provisional Guidance

On March 9, 2020, the Oregon Health Authority also issued updated provisional guidance, which is linked here, regarding clinical care and healthcare infection prevention and control, including personal protective equipment (PPE) use for care of patients with suspect or known COVID-19.
 

OMA Resource Page

The OMA is maintaining a COVID-19 resource webpage for clinicians and will continue to monitor COVID-19 information nationally and locally. The association will work closely with state and local public health agencies on providing information to our members and their patients about good responses to minimize transmission in our various communities.