Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted an emergency rule Monday, allowing End-stage Renal Disease facilities to treat patients more effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rule grants health care providers more flexibility in taking care of dialysis patients and will allow ESRD facilities to operate off-site outpatient facilities without obtaining a new license at the following:
- An ESRD facility that is no longer licensed that closed within the past 36 months
- A mobile, transportable or relocatable medical unit
- A physician’s office
- An ambulatory surgical center or freestanding emergency medical care facility that is no longer licensed that closed within the past 36 months
A press release states the measures will provide separate locations for patients with COVID-19 from those with dialysis to help with social distancing. Abbott said the rule will reduce the potential spread of the virus among patients at ESRD facilities.
“As we continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Texas, we are committed to maximizing flexibility and efficiency available to our medical providers to protect public health and keep Texans safe,” Abbott said.
Individuals concerned about possible exposure to COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the Hays County Local Health Department at 512.393.5520. For additional information about COVID-19, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services or the Centers for Disease Control website.
The University Star’s COVID-19 coverage can be found here.
