Healthcare entities were already in the cross-hairs of federal regulators as part of a National Emphasis Program to inspect and audit facilities where workers are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19. Now an audit can focus on a host of new emergency requirements that facilities will have to implement with very little time. Facilities that do not treat COVID-19 patients may be eligible for certain exceptions, and should be sure to enact or modify policies and procedures to take advantage of available exceptions.

On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA issued regulations setting the new Emergency Temporary Standard for healthcare entities regarding occupational exposure to COVID-19. Once published, which could happen any day now, employers will have little time to comply with the expansive new requirements.

Parker Hudson has prepared additional guidance for specific types of healthcare entities below to understand what is necessary to comply with these new regulations:

Long-term care facilities/Nursing homes

Healthcare facilities that treat COVID-19 patients

Healthcare facilities that do not treat COVID-19 patients