Week 64 Newsletter

(06/24/21) Several Mass Health Care Systems Will Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for Workers
Similar to trends seen throughout the United States, multiple large health care organizations in Massachusetts have announced vaccine mandates for their employees. Although these mandates have been announced, they will not start until after the Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines for general use, as opposed to the current emergency authorization.

(06/23/21) America’s Largest Health Care Union Vows to Fight Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccines
Following the announcement of a vaccine mandate from NewYork-Presbyterian, the largest health care worker union in the United States, 1199SEIU, is planning legal challenges against mandates for health care workers. As more hospital systems consider and implement vaccine mandates on their workers, other unions are also vocalizing disapproval, saying that their workers should be allowed to choose to vaccinate.

 (6/22/2021) Ohio Vaccine Choice Bill Back in the Spotlight
This article highlights the Vaccine Choice & Anti-Discrimination Act of Ohio State that has generated controversies by allowing people to opt-out of the COVID-19 vaccination amid the recent controversies over vaccine mandates (House Bill 248). The bill received lots of attention after Dr. Sherri Tenpenny’s testimony at a public hearing on June 10 that said that “the COVID-19 vaccine leads to magnetism and causes metal objects to stick to the body of a person.” The bill sponsor said that the bill is intended to protect people who avoid vaccination from discrimination, but many doctors and health professionals are opposing it.

(06/25/21) Half of Public Health Workers Experiencing Mental Health Strain: Study
A recent study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has found that more than half of public health workers reported experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions. Symptoms were more prevalent among public health workers under the age of 29, those who spent most of their time in COVID-19 wards, and those who were unable to take time off of work.

(06/23/21) Mental Health and COVID-19: How the US Health Care System Fails Doctors
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the prevalence of mental health conditions among physicians. Although the pandemic has threatened the mental and emotional well-being of providers, physicians continue to avoid seeking mental health care for fear of losing their medical license. This article highlights the need for the implementation of improved strategies and resources for physicians to manage their mental well-being while also caring for patients.

(6/23/2021) Physician Work Hours Significantly Declined Since Start of COVID-19
This article summarizes a recent study published in JAMA Network Open that reports the gradual decline in physician work hours. According to the study, the mean weekly work hours of physicians was 50.8 in January 2019 but hit the lowest record in May 2020 at 47.5 hours per week. The study also reports that the proportion of physicians working full-time has declined from 84.2% to 80.7% after the pandemic.

(06/25/21) New York Nursing Homes Still Subject to COVID-19 Restrictions
Although New York State has lifted much of the regulations regarding COVID-19, nursing homes are still experiencing significant restrictions in visitation and social distancing requirements. This is in part being blamed for staffing shortages, high turnover, and financial issues.

(06/23/21) COVID-19 Cases Up in State Long-term Care Centers, Data Shows
This news report from WESH discusses the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Florida’s state operated long-term care facilities. The facilities credit bonuses offered to workers to vaccinate as preventing further harm, as cases and deaths have been on the rise among staff and patients over the previous 4 weeks.

(06/18/21) How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Demonstrated a Need for Increased Leadership Education in Medicine
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for effective leadership as decision-makers in health care were forced to make challenging decisions. The U.S. medical education system currently produces clinically and scientifically competent professionals at all levels but falls short of providing effective leadership training. This commentary from Dovepress highlights the need to incorporate leadership skills in medical education curricula.

(06/24/21) Times Are Changing: MIOSHA Rescinds COVID-19 Emergency Rules and Adopts Rules for Healthcare Workers
This article from the National Law Review discusses the Michigan Occupational and Health Administration’s decision to rescind its COVID-19 Emergency Workplace Rules which were previously issued on May 24, 2021. MIOSHA has simultaneously announced its adoption of the Federal OSHA Emergency Temporary Standards for health care employers.

(06/24/21) Nevada OSHA Adopts Federal OSHA’s COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard, Issues Updated COVID-19 Guidance for All Other Businesses
The Nevada State Department of Business & Industry’s Division of Industrial Relations has announced its adoption of the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA COVID-19 Healthcare Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). The Healthcare ETS establishes new requirements for healthcare employers which are effective July 1, 2021. Healthcare employers must comply with most provisions within 14 days and the remaining provisions within 30 days. Nevada OSHA has also updated its Guidance for Business Operations under the State of Nevada’s Declaration of Emergency for all non-healthcare businesses throughout the state effective June 24, 2021.

(06/23/21) OSHA Healthcare COVID-19 Requirements Take Effect
This article from the National Law Review provides an in-depth explanation of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) COVID-19 safety requirements for health care employers. OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 requirements for the health care industry has officially taken effect on June 21, 2021. Most of the requirements must be followed by July 6, 2021, but some requirements such as the installment of physical barriers, improved ventilation systems, and employee training must be implemented by July 21, 2021.