HR HealthCheck
Ontario Releases Resource Guide in Support of Vaccination Directive for Hospitals and Other Health Care Settings
Date: August 23, 2021
As we reported in our August 18, 2021 HR HealthCheck, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive #6 for COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in Health Settings (Directive) regarding the implementation of a mandatory vaccine policy for employees, staff, contractors, volunteers and students in certain health care settings.
To support the implementation of the Directive, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has released Directive # 6: Resource Guide (Guide).
The Guide provides Covered Organizations additional information to assist in the implementation of their mandatory vaccine policies. Among other things, the Guide sets out:
- which employees, staff, contractors, volunteers and students the policy must, at a minimum, apply to,
- how impacted individuals may provide proof of vaccination or proof of a medical reason for not being vaccinated,
- how to choose the content for the educational program and what it must, at a minimum, address,
- how to implement antigen point-of-care testing,
- ways to communicate the content/requirements in the policy, and
- what statistical information must be collected, maintained and disclosed.
In addition, the Guide includes, at Appendix 1, an Example Policy. The Example Policy sets out the bare minimum of information which must be included. Appendix 2 of the Guide includes links to resources that can help support the creation of a Covered Organization’s educational program. Lastly, at Appendix 3, the Guide contains an FAQ section. It answers questions such as, “Do third party contractors, such as building maintenance or suppliers, fall under the definition of ‘contractors’ pursuant to the Directive?” and, “How will compliance with Directive #6 be ensured?”
Your Hicks Morley lawyers will be able to assist you with the practical and legal implications related to the drafting and implementation of your vaccination policy.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
