On August 5, 2021, the State of California Department of Public Health issued an Order mandating that all workers who provide services or work in certain healthcare facilities be vaccinated against COVID-19 (i.e., have either their first dose of a one-dose COVID-19 vaccination regimen or their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccination regime) by September 30, 2021. It is our understanding that the Order applies to all clinics and doctor offices, whether licensed or unlicensed, including those clinics and doctor offices that provide behavioral health services, but does not apply to the home health setting.
Who does this include?
The Order defines workers broadly to include any individual who works in an indoor setting where care is provided to patients or to which patients may have access. This includes clinicians as well as persons who are not directly involved in patient care but who could be exposed to infectious agents such as COVID-19 that can be transmitted in the healthcare setting (e.g., administrative staff, clerical staff, environmental services staff, etc.).
As further described in the Order, workers may be exempt from the vaccination requirement if they decline vaccination based on Religious Belief or if they have been excused from receiving the vaccine due to a Qualifying Medical Reason. Workers who are exempt from the vaccine mandate (i.e., unvaccinated workers) must be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Clinics and other facilities covered by the Order are required by the State to maintain records of workers’ vaccination or exempt status as well as records of worker’s test results (for those workers who are unvaccinated).
Note that the August 5 Order does not replace the Department of Public Health’s previous Order requiring operators of healthcare facilities and high-risk congregate settings to verify the vaccination status of their workers and requiring workers who are not fully vaccinated (i.e., who are not two weeks or more past their first dose of a one-dose regime or two weeks or more past their second dose of a two-dose regime) to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. Accordingly, operators of behavioral health clinics begin tracking the test results of unvaccinated workers beginning August 23, 2021.
The BHPN’s Guidelines
Consistent with the Department of Public Health’s Orders, the BHPN’s guidance is that Providers operating a covered facility or setting will, as outlined above, establish the necessary internal systems and processes to enforce the vaccine mandate and testing requirements applicable to their respective staff (including any staff that may come from a contracted staffing agency) and to otherwise comply with the Orders.
As a reminder, the BHPN continues to require that Providers follow CDC Guidance for Healthcare Professionals during in-person sessions, including wearing masks and adhering to other State and Local Health directives. This is an important step in protecting the health and safety of our clients, their families, as well as you – our valued Provider Partners.
We encourage all Providers review the California Department of Public Health Orders for additional information on healthcare worker requirements, vaccinations and effective dates.
Please be advised that local, state and federal guidelines may change at any time. Should this occur, the BHPN will work to get this information out to all Provider Partners as timely as possible and will remain committed to helping Provider Partners navigate those changes.