What is ASCA’s position on ASCs remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic?

With growing concern that US hospitals could be easily overwhelmed by a surging number of infected patients, ASCA believes that ASCs can and should play a critical role in helping to manage the COVID-19 response in the US. Further, a consensus statement prepared by clinical experts from within the ASC community and issued on March 16 states that ASCs can continue to provide safe surgical care to patients whose condition cannot wait until hospitals return to normal operations. The complete statement is available on ASCA’s website at www.ascassociation.org/covid-19-statement.

ASCA also issued additional guidance for ASCs on necessary surgeries on March 18, 2020.

What limitations should ASCs consider when scheduling surgeries and staffing their facility?

As this rapidly evolving situation continues to unfold, ASCs should remember to make the safety of patients and staff their top priority. Recommendations shared in the consensus statement ASCA issued on March 16 include

• implementing a rigorous screening for patients and visitors,
• maintaining a safe environment that conforms to social distancing recommendations,
• carefully implementing the cleaning guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
• collaborating with hospitals and health systems to coordinate care and the distribution of equipment and supplies, such as surgical masks, and
• recognizing that each patient encounter is different and decisions regarding care need to be made jointly by the physician and the patient.

Where can ASCs find the most reliable and valuable resources to help them navigate the COVID-19 crisis?

ASCA has created a special resource center that is publicly available on our website at www.ascassociation.org/covid-19 to help ASCs and others get answers to their questions about the spread of COVID-19 and response efforts in the US. We will update it regularly and post new announcements to that site as they become available.

Will ASCs be asked to change the procedures they are already doing or expected to change the way they operate in some way?

At this time, no one is contemplating asking ASCs to offer services or perform procedures beyond those they already provide. However, If the COVID-19 pandemic creates undue strain on the US healthcare system, ASCs would work with federal and state regulatory officials to respond in any manner necessary as long as patient safety is assured.

What guidance is ASCA giving regarding the kinds of procedures that should be postponed and those that can appropriately go forward?

ASCA believes that ASCs can continue to safely serve appropriate patients who need surgery, but that ASCs should reschedule procedures that can be safely postponed. We believe the best way to minimize potential risks to patients is for these decisions to continue to be made by physicians in consultation with patients and their families.

In addition, ASCs should develop explicit controls on how to manage the infection risks of all non-patient visitors (patient caregivers, vendors, contractors, etc.) who come into the ASC. (For more information see below.)

Is there any additional guidance for either infection control or virus mitigation measures?

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have excellent web pages that provide the latest, up-to-date guidance on infection control and measures for mitigating the spread of the virus.

The links are as follows:

• www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html
• apic.org/covid19

Will ASCs be eligible for direct government relief under the aid packages now under consideration in Congress?

Congress is considering a number of aid and relief measures, including direct compensation for small and medium-sized businesses that are forced to close or experience losses due to virus-related mitigation measures. At ASCA we take the position that most ASCs should be included in any definition of a small or medium-sized business. We are monitoring these negotiations closely and using all our government affairs resources to make our representatives aware of our position with respect to making ASCs eligible for potential relief. We will continue to provide updates and additional information as it becomes available.

Will the ASCA 2020 Conference & Expo, scheduled for May 13–16, 2020, in Orlando, be cancelled?

Currently, the CDC recommendation on suspending large gatherings ends just prior to the meeting. At the same time, we are fully aware that rapidly changing circumstances could alter that recommendation, and we are in regular communication with the hotel, vendors, exhibitors and others about potential contingency planning. Our target date for making a final decision is on or about April 1, 2020.