COVID-19 Updates: Summary of requirements for return to providing non-urgent care, DOSH directive & fit tests, Delta interim policies/guidelines.
Summary of Requirements for Return to Providing Non-Urgent Care
Governor Jay Inslee announced Washington State’s plan for the safe expansion of non-urgent health care services on May 18, issuing Proclamation 20-24.1 entitled “Reducing Restrictions on, and Safe Expansion of, Non-Urgent Medical and Dental Procedures.”
As a benefit of membership, WSDA has put together a detailed summary (member login required) of Proclamation 20-24.1. Throughout the summary, we have included many relevant resources to help member dentists comply with the Governor's criteria for resuming non-urgent procedures.
Summary & Resources
Member Dentists: Please log in using your ADA number OR email on file and password. If you forgot your password, you can reset it here. Please note that the password reset email will be sent to your email address on file with WSDA.
DOSH Directive & Fit Tests
WSDA has received several inquiries about the “General Coronavirus Prevention Under Stay Home – Stay Health Order” that was updated by Labor and Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) late last week. The DOSH directive released on Friday indicated that fit tested N95 masks must be worn by all dental team members when working within three feet of an aerosol generating procedure. WSDA has had several conversations with DOSH leadership since that directive was issued. We can confirm that fit-tested KN95 respirators approved by the FDA (like the masks acquired from the state and distributed by WSDA) also meet the DOSH Directive. WSDA and ADA leadership will be speaking with DOSH tomorrow and Thursday about further modifications to the DOSH directive that better reflect the PPE resources currently available to dental offices. We will share updates regarding these ongoing conversations over the next several days.
WSDA is also exploring multiple N95/KN95 fit testing options for dental offices across the state. More information about fit testing will be shared tomorrow.
Delta Interim Policies & Guidance
Today, Delta released “Interim Policies and Guidance During the COVID-19 Pandemic” for its providers. The document includes information on:
- Temporary Procedures
- Extension of Benefits
- Timely Filing of Claims
- Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing Exceptions
- Urgent Treatment
- Extending Timeframes for Confirmations of Treatment of Cost
- Patient in the Chair Hotline
- Frequency Limitations
- Paying on the Prep Date vs. Seat Date
- Code for PPE as D1999
- Credentialing/Recredentialing
Delta's Interim Policies & Guidance
Sincerely,
Dr. Dennis Bradshaw
WSDA President