Latest update mandate FAQ
Email 09/22/2021
Mr ______,
Just keeping you in the loop on what we're getting from our Epsilons.
As for what's happening on the street, it's still normal to light call volume. No signs of a pandemic anywhere.
A good friend of mine knows a 35 y/o healthy male who just died in his sleep while on vacation in Colorado. It was ruled a cardiac issue. He had just gotten his jab.
I'm still trying to get you the pictures of the triage software at our local hospital. They're very protective of it. The nurses used to do the triage computer work in the patient's room when we arrived, but now it's done from behind a desk where prying eyes can't see. I worked with a second person last night who confirms the changes. I'll keep trying.
-Handy
***Copied and pasted from attached PDF***
Federal Vaccine Policies - FAQ
How will ___ implement the Federal policies? ___ will comply with Federal COVID-19 vaccine policies because we fit into all three categories: Federal OSHA standards regarding a vaccine mandate for large employers, along with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) vaccine mandate for all healthcare providers “across any health care setting” (public and private) and The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force vaccine mandate for federal contractors. These mandates will apply to all ___ employees including support, office-based and remote team members.
Can I file for an exemption? Yes, we assume that all Federal mandates will recognize appropriate medical and religious exemptions. You can apply for a medical or religious exemption, but whether a reasonable accommodation is available (or what it might require) will depend on your individual role. For medical and religious exemptions, you should work directly with your local HR leader.
Will there be an exemption for those who can prove they have Covid antibodies present in their blood, for example providing evidence from a physician? We have not seen any information that indicates such an exemption will be available under the Federal mandates, nor do we think it likely that such an exemption would be recognized based on our understanding that these claims are investigational. The science continues to evolve and as medicine learns more about the potential role of antibodies as well as cellular immunity markers, more information will be available to us to help with decision making. At present, however, currently available antibody assays are not considered a substitute for vaccination requirements.
If I am not vaccinated, can I just get regular testing instead? Information from OSHA indicates that the OSHA rules may allow for regular testing in lieu of vaccination. Other guidance applicable to healthcare companies and federal contractors has NOT mentioned a testing option, only vaccine. We will provide additional information once all the government regulations are final. Keep in mind while testing may be allowed under one of the mandates, ___ is under all three: OSHA standards, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. Additionally, local healthcare systems have also established specific requirements related to access into their facilities.
When these policies go into effect, how much time will we have to be vaccinated? The Federal announcements encourage workers to be vaccinated as soon as possible and not wait for the final rules. We understand that guidance to mean there will be very little time to get vaccinated after the rules are issued.
What happens if I refuse to get vaccinated, will I lose my job? That is a complicated question that we cannot answer at this time, and we hope never needs to be answered. We need to see what the rules actually require, and if any exemptions are applicable and if reasonable accommodations are available. We are a healthcare organization and will remain focused on doing what’s right for our patients, our colleagues and the communities we serve while respecting the importance of individual decision-making.