J U N E 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 2 7
E
lective sur-
geries are
back on the
schedule and staff
are returning under
new circumstances
and different expec-
tations. As you
begin to perform
procedures amid the
uncertainty the
coronavirus pan-
demic has created,
here are a few con-
crete steps you can
take to make sure
staff members are
protected from
exposure and treat-
ed fairly in the eyes
of the law.
• Safety violations. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) hasn't implemented COVID-19-specific guide-
lines, but you still must follow OSHA mandates to keep employees
safe from recognized hazards that could cause serious harm or even
death. Start with the simple things that might sound obvious, but, put
together, add up to a great starting point to maintaining safe work-
Avoiding Lawsuits in the COVID-19 Era
Take steps to limit your legal liability during this unprecedented time.
Legal Update
Casey Duhart, BS, M.Ed, JD
EVERYWHERE A SIGN Post clear messages to staff and patients about taking
every precaution to limit risk of exposure to the coronavirus.