NDNPA Statement on Asymptomatic COVID-19 HealthCare Workers Providing Care

The North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Association (NDNPA) stands firmly in solidarity with the statements released on November 11, 2020 by the North Dakota Nurses Association and the North Dakota Emergency Nurses Association. NDNPA does not support the practice of allowing asymptomatic COVID-19 positive healthcare workers to care for patients as a long-term solution to address staffing shortages.

COVID-19 has illustrated several truths of which the most concerning is that we as a nation remain underprepared for protecting our nation’s health in the setting of current and future pandemics. Public health infrastructure and disaster preparedness/planning in the United States remains underfunded and underappreciated at all levels.

While NDNPA acknowledges that this order was signed in response to the state’s healthcare capacity crisis, the response to the COVID-19 crisis will require a whole of community approach which engages the full capacity of the private and nonprofit sectors, the general public and all levels of governmental partners. As such, NDNPA urges that all other executive options and public health measures be executed before implementing crisis care standards.

NDNPA supports the issuance of a statewide mask mandate while continuing to promote proven and effective preventative measures which includes maintaining physical distancing and good hand hygiene. As a profession, we remain committed to the safety and well-being of all healthcare workers, patients, and their communities. Our vigilance now will determine the success of the COVID-19 crisis going forward.

Adam Hohman, DNP, FNP-BC

NDNPA Past President signed on behalf of the NDNPA Board of Directors

HOHMAN.ADAM.

G.1274248005

Digitally signed by

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Date: 2020.11.14 10:30:22 -06'00'