The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued updated mask guidance providing more flexibility for healthcare providers and facilities in areas with low community transmission of COVID-19 but continues to recommend masks in healthcare facilities, even with low transmission levels, under certain conditions including a known positive case or caring for immunocompromised patients. With the new recommendations in place, some physician practice and hospital leaders are questioning how they should adapt their own mask policies in response.

Nelson Mullins attorneys Kristin Ahr and Stephanie Robin spoke with Part B News on the topic and advised healthcare leaders to review their policies and communicate proactively.

"Healthcare facilities may choose to lift their mask requirements but should consider whether they will want the ability to re-implement the mask requirements when and if transmission rates in their area become high in the future," Robin said. "If so, a policy should be put in place."

If a facility wants to keep their stricter mask requirements, Robin said they should keep staff well-informed of their mask requirements to avoid any confusion. If on the other hand, a facility has less strict requirements and people feel uncomfortable, Ahr said they "should communicate your concerns to the care partners, and work together with them to find mutually satisfactory protocols, especially where patient safety is critical."

Ahr and Robin said most importantly, facilities and providers should be proactive in communicating their policies with staff, patients, visitors, and vendors.