State Health Commissioner Issues Order Authorizing Transfers of Long-Term Care Residents

All moves would be done in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health.

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(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Yesterday, the Indiana State Health Commissioner Kris Box, authorized long-term care facilities to transfer, discharge, transport or relocate residents in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the vulnerable population.

All moves would be done in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health.

Dr. Box’s order includes transfers within a facility, between facilities and those occurring across city or county boundaries, will remain in effect for the duration of the public health emergency declared by Governor Holcomb.

 It superseded any order issued at the local level is allowed under Indiana law.

The goal of this order is to help facilities group residents who have tested negative to protect them from infection and better serve residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 by allowing facilities to establish COVID-dedicated units, with approval from ISDH.

Box said such units can allow facilities to better care for these residents and protect healthcare workers while helping to conserve person protective equipment, such as masks and gowns.