Task Force takes action on
public health directives, including compliance of Louisiana abortion clinics
BATON ROUGE, LA - In an effort to help ensure the Louisiana
Department of Health (LDH) can remain focused on fighting the novel coronavirus
in our state, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced today he has
activated a new task force aimed at ensuring consistent enforcement of LDH’s
public health directives.
“LDH and Interim Secretary Russo have requested our assistance
with enforcing their important public health orders, such as those requiring
the suspension of elective, non-emergency medical procedures,” said Attorney
General Jeff Landry.
Earlier today, the COVID-19 Task Force was activated in response
to LDH referrals of possible violations, performing fact-finding examinations
of several Louisiana facilities. The COVID-19 Task Force responded to the
referrals of an endoscopy center in Shreveport, as well as outpatient abortion
clinics in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
“All instances of non-compliance with these important directives
not only put patients and staff at risk, they also divert much needed Personal
Protective Equipment away from the brave medical professionals currently
treating Louisiana’s coronavirus patients,” added Landry. “My COVID-19 Task
Force is ready for action and currently receiving referrals from LDH on
possible violations. We are happy to be doing our part to protect the health
and safety of all Louisianans by freeing up essential LDH resources and
employees that are indispensable on the front-lines of this fight.”
The LDH notice applies equally statewide to all licensed medical facilities and medical
professionals under LDH authority, and it orders the immediate postponement of
all elective medical procedures and surgeries that are not necessary to treat
an emergency medical condition or immediately necessary to prevent further harm
to a patient.
The order follows guidance from the U.S. Center for Disease
Control regarding elective surgeries at this time, and it is similar to orders
by state health departments across the country.
Today marks the first day
of affirmative actions by the new Task Force which will continue its activities
throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency.