Governor Abbott’s Latest Orders, Waivers For The Coronavirus Pandemic

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As more and more communities around the United States experience, a rising number of Coronavirus cases, state and federal officials are looking at ways to further prevent community spread, ensure public safety and combat the rising economic impact.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott issued an “Essential Services and Activities protocols,” which establishes restrictions similar to stay-at-home orders issued by a number of local governments in the state.

The “Essential Services and Activities” order extends the state’s coronavirus measures until April 30 and extends school closures until May 4.

The guidelines for residents to minimize social gatherings and minimize contact with people outside of the household as well as the directive to avoid eating out at restaurants, drinking at bars or visiting other businesses or facilities not related to essential services.

Governor Abbott Waives Certain Pharmacy Regulations To Increase Workforce Capabilities

Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived certain regulatory requirements to increase the job capacities of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns.

Under the Governor’s waiver, pharmacy technicians can now accept prescription drug orders over the phone — a responsibility typically reserved for pharmacists.

The Governor’s waiver also allows pharmacy technicians to transfer or receive a transfer of original prescription information on behalf of patients.

These two waivers can be utilized at the discretion of pharmacists.

Additionally, Governor Abbott has waived certain regulations allowing pharmacy interns to assist pharmacists without the designation of a preceptor.

“By expanding the duties of pharmacy technicians and the additional availability of interns to all pharmacists, we are ensuring members of the pharmacy workforce can efficiently serve their fellow Texans throughout the COVID-19 response,” said Governor Abbott. “These waivers provide flexibility to our pharmacists and those that assist them to ensure they can continue to perform their important duties.”

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Emergency Rule To Allow Off-Site Outpatient ESRD Facilities

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an emergency rule to allow end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities to treat patients more effectively during the COVID-19 response.

This emergency rule provides increased flexibility for providers to serve dialysis patients.

This will be helpful in providing appropriate social distancing and/or provide locations for patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 at a location separate from other dialysis patients to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

This emergency rule will allow currently licensed ESRD facilities to operate off-site outpatient facilities without obtaining a new license at the following:

• An ESRD 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.

“This emergency rule will bolster our response to COVID-19 by reducing potential spread among patients at ESRD facilities,” said Governor Abbott. “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.” 

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Emergency Rule To Allow Off-Site Outpatient ESRD Facilities

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an emergency rule to allow end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities to treat patients more effectively during the COVID-19 response.

This emergency rule provides increased flexibility to providers to serve dialysis patients.

This will be helpful in providing appropriate social distancing and/or provide locations for patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 at a location separate from other dialysis patients to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.

This emergency rule will allow currently licensed ESRD facilities to operate off-site outpatient facilities without obtaining a new license at the following:

• An ESRD 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.

“This emergency rule will bolster our response to COVID-19 by reducing potential spread among patients at ESRD facilities,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”