All:
With the implementation of the ASC Guidelines from the New Jersey Department of Health, as would be expected, there are valid concerns being raised.
So everyone is aware, NJAASC sent our own recommendations for guidelines to re-open and for elective surgery to DOH- per their request.
They incorporated some, but not everything we requested was ultimately published. NJAASC has been in constant contact with the Department over the past two weeks regarding electives, and we sent them a letter early Wednesday after the guidelines came out in which we expressed our concerns.
They answered us promptly, and there were some very important clarifications and interpretations in the response- Hospital Transfer for instance.
We also raised what we recognize is a very contentious issue for ASCs, that of 96 hours and the capacity to test, collect and get test results.
The DOH response to that was very clear- they believe there is enough capacity within the system, and it will only grow larger as time moves on.
They did however state: ‘Once we start if it becomes a problem we can change it quickly’. I believe that is a very important signal from them.
Indeed on the webinar both Stefanie and Gene said that was the case, these guidelines can be changed, this is a living document.
NJAASC understands however that the 96 hour requirement is controversial, and with good reason to be honest.
To that end, we are asking all ASCs to begin to compile information and data, that we can use to go back to the Department to promulgate changes, if need be.
We need data to back up our arguments- thus my request that all ASCs begin to do just that- collect data.
Please start a log of some sort. This needs to be a daily and then weekly compendium. We need to be able to show how many patients the labs could not process within the time frame of the guidelines.
We would also like to know how many patients have cancelled- or you have had to cancel because of this, or for other reasons related to the guidelines.
With this information in hand, we can go to the Department and have a much more effective argument regarding the 96 hour testing rule, and enhances our ability to get them to effect change.
We will be asking all ASCs to begin to compile information and data, that we can use to go back to the Department to promulgate changes, if need be.
We will distribute a data collection tool for you to record statistical information and present to the Department of Health to substantiate the issues due to the current guidelines.
NJAASC wants to help with this very real issue, and the angst that it is causing amongst ASCs. We can only do this with your help.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Jeff Shanton
President, NJAASC
201-795-0205 x241
C: 201-637-9889
