Governor Brown: Oregon healthcare workers must get COVID-19 vaccine or weekly tests



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(Update: added governor’s video statement)

Hospitals and nursing groups applaud decision

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Gov. Kate Brown announced Wednesday that she has asked the Oregon Health Authority to issue a rule outlining new health and safety measures required for staff at healthcare facilities. The rule requires weekly COVID-19 testing for health facility staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in those facilities, which can be voided with proof of vaccination.

The new rule will be released this week and the requirement to get vaccinated or have weekly tests will apply from September 30. This will give employers time to prepare for implementation and give currently unvaccinated healthcare workers time to be fully immunized.

“The most contagious delta variant changed everything,” Brown said. “This new security measure is necessary to prevent the delta from causing serious illness among our first line of defense: our doctors, nurses, medical students and frontline health workers.

“Protecting our frontline health workers with immunizations will also improve the safety of the patients they care for,” added the governor. “Serious illness from COVID-19 is now largely preventable, and vaccination is clearly our best defense. Vaccination and weekly testing ensure that residents of Oregon can safely access health care and that employees can go. work in an environment that maximizes health and safety measures for COVID-19. ”

The new rule applies broadly to personnel in health care facilities who have direct or indirect contact with patients or infectious materials.

The governor’s office said it was continuing to review additional health and safety options to protect Oregonians from the highly contagious Delta variant, including vaccination and testing policies for state employees, with conversations continuing with stakeholders on how similar protective measures can be implemented in various workplaces across the state. .

Governor Brown called on Oregon’s other public and private employers to implement measures to make it easier for their employees to access vaccines.

“As we have done throughout this pandemic, we are learning to adapt to the new reality created by the delta variant,” she said. “I encourage cities, counties, businesses and employers in Oregon to think creatively and implement measures such as paid vacations for immunizations and incentives for employees, in addition to institute mask requirements and other workplace health and safety measures. I do the same with the Oregon State workforce and expect employers find ways to remove barriers to easy access to immunization.

Although job-related vaccination requirements are generally permitted under state and federal laws, state law currently prohibits employers from independently requiring vaccines for certain limited categories of workers, including healthcare workers. . The governor said she intends to work with stakeholders and lawmakers to resolve this issue during the February 2022 session.


Hospitals applaud governor’s action to protect Oregon patients
Oregon Assn. of the hospital. and Health Systems (OAHHS) – 04/08/21 14:03

Rising healthcare worker immunization rates protect patients, visitors and communities

Lake Oswego, Oregon – August 4, 2021 – Becky Hultberg, president and CEO of the Association of Hospitals and Health Systems of Oregon, issued the following statement regarding the governor’s new rule on vaccination and testing requirements for healthcare workers in the ‘Oregon.

“Throughout the pandemic, hospitals in Oregon have been committed to protecting the health of our patients, visitors and workers. We support Governor Brown’s action today, which will demand that healthcare workers in Oregon be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested regularly for the virus. With these additional tools, we can better respond to this evolving pandemic and provide the safest possible environment for those who depend on us. “

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About the OAHHS: Founded in 1934, the OAHHS is a state-wide, not-for-profit trade association that works closely with local and national government leaders, business coalitions and citizens and other professional healthcare organizations to improve and promote community health and continue to improve Oregon’s innovative healthcare. delivery system.


Oregon nurses applaud Governor Brown’s new health and safety rule for workers in healthcare facilities
Oregon Nursing Association. – 08/21/21 14:11

(Portland, Oregon) – The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) today applauds Governor Kate Brown’s announcement regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and healthcare workers. This is a reasonable and sensible approach that respects the individual choices of healthcare workers while protecting public health. The ONA believes COVID-19 vaccinations are essential to protect our members, patients, families and communities and we urge all Oregonians who can get vaccinated to do so today. The ONA is also pleased to note that current Oregon law provides the state with the flexibility to respond to public health emergencies through regulation.

Oregonians and Oregon nurses have sacrificed too much and gone too far to suffer another wave of COVID-19. ONA looks forward to continuing to work with hospitals and community groups to encourage immunizations through a wide range of options, including free immunization clinics, immunization education, immunization incentives and awareness. community to improve vaccination rates and fight against widespread misinformation that creates uncertainty and fueling vaccine hesitancy. Vaccination is an essential tool in keeping the people of Oregon healthy and safe. Governor Brown’s announcement will help close the gap between vaccination rates for Oregon’s essential healthcare workers.

The ONA calls on healthcare companies to also commit to supporting the governor’s efforts by implementing a series of policies aimed at increasing the effectiveness of this new rule.

First, it’s crucial to remember that COVID-19 testing for nurses and healthcare workers was extremely limited at the start of the pandemic. Now, hospitals and healthcare companies must take all necessary steps to ensure that testing for nurses and healthcare workers who need it is free, available in the workplace where possible, and reagents.

Second, all employers must guarantee paid time off for workers who experience the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccinations. We know some people experience side effects from the vaccine, and securing paid time off for staff too sick to work will help increase vaccinations for those who hesitate.

Finally, employers whose staff are represented by a union must recognize and honor the right of a union to negotiate changes in working conditions in the establishments represented. The ONA will work with our union members at facilities across the state to ensure employers honor our legally binding contracts.

The ONA is also stepping up efforts to close the gap on nurse immunization rates in Oregon. It is important to note that registered nurses and nurse practitioners statewide have achieved a high vaccination rate, almost 80%, and should be applauded for it.

In the coming weeks, ONA will launch a statewide public information campaign, targeting nurses and health care workers in Oregon counties identified by the CDC as having high transmission rates. high, to help address the concerns, questions and hesitations of healthcare workers who have not yet been vaccinated. This campaign will include nurse-to-nurse and nurse outreach to the community via phone calls, text messages and social media, as well as more traditional public relations initiatives.

The ONA also recently awarded two large grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on increasing immunization rates among Black, Indigenous and Colored (BIPOC) communities. We will continue to focus on increasing immunization rates among our members and the wider community in every way possible.

Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is Oregon’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and union representing 15,000 nurses and paramedics across the state. Our mission is to champion nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information, visit: www.OregonRN.org.

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