Practices thirsting to ‘reopen’ must play smart, go slow, heed regional COVID-19 guidance

Why This Topic Matters

Reopening decisions during the pandemic affected patient access, staff safety, and practice operations, while also raising legal and compliance questions. The article helps readers understand the major categories of guidance that shaped those decisions and the types of issues practices needed to consider before resuming services.

Article Sections

1. A slow reopening

   Introduces the reopening landscape and compares federal guidance with state-level authority. Also discusses the general role of governors, health agencies, and phased resumption of services.

2. Are your employees ready?

   Focuses on workforce readiness and broad employment-related considerations that may arise when staff return to work. Covers several federal workplace laws and general accommodation, safety, and labor concerns.

3. Planning your reentry

   Outlines operational planning topics practices may evaluate before increasing capacity. Includes broad considerations such as patient flow, facility safety, staffing structure, service staging, and care segregation.

4. Smooth landing?

   Discusses the possibility of limited capacity and continued operational disruption after reopening. Addresses the likelihood that practices may need to remain flexible if conditions change.