Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 18 today temporarily prohibiting non-emergency healthcare procedures while the coronavirus pandemic continues. The order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 24, 2020 and last until 12:01 a.m. April 13, 2020.

Executive Order 18 states that all dental service providers in the State of Tennessee shall not perform any non-emergency dental or oral procedures. Emergency procedures for patients with acute dental or oral needs may still be performed, including treatment for pain, swelling, trauma or an abscess.

All hospitals and surgical outpatient facilities in Tennessee will also be prohibited from performing non-essential procedures, which includes any medical procedure that is not necessary to address a medical emergency or to preserve the health and safety of a patient, as determined by a licensed medical provider.

As part of the order, non-hospital healthcare providers are requested and encouraged to provide necessary personal protective equipment in their possession such as medical gowns, surgical masks, TYVEK suits, gloves, eye protection and other items to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency by delivering the equipment to the nearest open Tennessee National Guard Armory.