For more information about this blog post, please contact Khaled J. Klele, Ryan M. Magee, or Labinot Alexander Berlajolli.

On June 16, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Health (“NJDOH”) updated its guidance, Executive Directive 20-016, on the resumption of elective surgeries at licensed Ambulatory Surgical Centers (“ASC”).  Among other changes, pursuant to the updated guidance, patients no longer have to obtain COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine prior to a surgical procedure at an ASC if the patient has been fully vaccinated for two weeks.  Similarly, patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last ninety (90) days before their procedure, completed the appropriate isolation and are asymptomatic no longer have to obtain COVID-19 testing or self-quarantine.  Patients are required to provide proof that they meet the criteria.  Patients that do not meet the criteria are required to obtain COVID-19 testing and self-quarantine.

NJDOH issued a similar COVID-19 testing update for hospitals, Executive Directive No. 20-018.

The Division of Consumer Affairs (“DCA”) recently revised its guidance, DCA Administrative Order No. 2021-11, regarding office-based procedures, including procedures in registered surgical practices.  However, the DCA has yet to eliminate COVID-19 testing for vaccinated patients or patients who previously tested positive for COVID-19.