The latest flurry of executive orders

This afternoon, Gov. Doug Ducey issued two more executive orders in response to COVID-19. Here’s the recap:

Executive Order 2020-28: On-the-Job Training for Assisted Living Facility Caregivers

Intended to help meet the critical demand for nursing home and long-term care facility staff, the order allows caregiver trainees to utilize on-the-job training to meet certification programs. Previously, trainees had to complete various training programs, but many of those programs have been suspended due to COVID-19. Under the order, trainees can still earn their certification by completing 62 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed healthcare professional. View the executive order here.

Executive Order 2020-29: Increased Telemedicine Access For Workers’ Comp

The order to expand telemedicine options requires workers’ compensation insurance plans regulated by the state to provide coverage for telemedicine services. It will allow all electronic means of delivering telehealth, including telephone and video calls. View the executive order here.

Executive Order 2020-30: Enhanced Surveillance For First Responders 

The enhanced surveillance order will gather additional information on COVID-19 cases in the state, and allow for data-sharing to provide first responders with information that may prevent or lessen the threat of their exposure to COVID-19. The information provided must be maintained as confidential and may only be communicated through secure means. View the executive order here.



Governor seeking input from business community on economic recovery

Announced during the press conference this afternoon, Gov. Doug Ducey is asking Arizona’s lodging and business communities to provide feedback on a plan for economic recovery. Moments prior, the Governor’s Office sent letters to leaders across the state seeking recommendations to help accelerate a business and economic recovery, including incorporating public health guidance into everyday business practices, policy suggestions, regulatory reforms and other executive actions. Efforts to solicit feedback from business community leaders will be led by Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson and Arizona Office of Tourism Director Debbie Johnson.

As more information surrounding this effort becomes available, we will include details in future editions of The Navigator.

Governor announces partnership with University of Arizona to provide antibody tests for health professionals, first responders

The governor also announced a partnership between the state of Arizona and the University of Arizona to provide antibody tests for 250,000 health care professionals and first responders who are on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. The University of Arizona will administer the antibody tests, also referred to as serology tests, to check for antibodies through an individual’s blood sample to determine if they were exposed to COVID-19, had the virus and recovered. The state and the university are working together to quickly get approval from the federal government to move forward with the testing. The data produced from these tests could play a critical role in the decision-making process as the governor determines how and when the stay-at-home order is lifted in Arizona.