Advisory on Ensuring Access to In-person Health Services During COVID-19

This week, the New York State Department of Health released new guidance to local health departments, healthcare providers, and facilities confirming that in-person health services, including routine preventative care and follow-up examinations or treatments, should not be postponed. Starting on April 1, 2021, individuals seeking services may bring a companion with them to care appointments. Companions are required to follow provider protocols for temperature checks and symptom screenings and to wear appropriate face coverings as well as practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other infection disease should notify providers before coming to the office or clinic. Providers should identify and contact patients who have missed routine preventative care or follow-up appointments in the last year and communicate with patients regarding plans to reduce transmission of COVID-19 among patients and healthcare personnel.

If you have any questions regarding the issues discussed above or if you have any other Health Care Law concerns, please contact the Underberg & Kessler attorney who regularly handles your legal matters or David Tang, the author of this piece, here or at (585) 258-2845.