| Gov. Beshear Signs Executive Order Requiring Masks On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an Executive Order requiring Kentuckians to wear face coverings in a number of situations in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The order states that masks will be required: “While inside, or waiting in line to enter, any: retail establishment; grocery store; pharmacy; hair salon/barbershop; nail salon/spa; tattoo parlor; child care facility; restaurant or bar (when not seated and consuming food or beverage); health care setting, or; any other indoor public space in which it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from all individuals who are not members of that person’s household; “While waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit, or while riding in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle, or driving any of the above while customers are present; or “While in outdoor public spaces in which the person cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet from all individuals who are not members of the person’s household and is not otherwise covered by previously issued guidance.” There are several exemptions to the order, including children who are 5 or younger and any person with a disability, or a physical or mental impairment, that prevents them from safely wearing a face covering. To read the executive order and more exemptions, click here. KMA and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky are once again producing a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that will educate viewers on the importance of wearing masks and the new guidelines. Those messages will be shared statewide and with members as soon as they are available. Cabinet for Health and Family Services Issues Blanket COVID-19 Testing Order On Thursday, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services issued an order outlining that a clinician’s order shall not be required for a laboratory services provider to perform and bill for a SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic test that is approved, cleared, or authorized under section 510(k), 513, 515 or 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This order applies only to molecular diagnostic testing and does not apply to serology (i.e., antibody) and/or antigen testing. The order also states that health insurers shall not require from either beneficiaries or laboratories a licensed clinician’s order as a precondition of covering the cost of testing. In addition, a formal clinician-patient relationship shall not be established as a result of providing this testing unless professional medical advice beyond providing the testing service is otherwise explicitly provided. The full order is available here. Kentucky Department for Public Health COVID-19 Public Health Update The Kentucky Department for Public Health will present a COVID-19 update via webinar on Thursday, July 16 at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Healthcare leaders and frontline staff are encouraged to participate. To attend or receive an archive link for the presentation, click the registration link below: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2537262027637192205 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Following the webinar, all registrants will receive a link to a video archive of the presentation along with a copy of any slides so will be able to view at a later time if you are unable to attend. An extensive question and answer period will occur at the end of the presentation. Kentucky Medical Association | www.kyma.org |