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Hospital Board approves COVID-19 vaccine mandate development and implementation

August 26, 2021 – News

The Bartlett Regional Hospital Board of Directors unanimously approved a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all staff as a condition of employment. The resolution directs the Chief Executive Officer to develop and implement a vaccination mandate that will also extend to medical staff who work in the hospital. The vote took place at this month’s Board of Directors meeting on August 24.

Bartlett Regional Hospital is the premier provider of healthcare in Juneau. In line with other statewide and national healthcare organizations, board members believe this is a public health imperative, and an opportunity to set a standard and reduce risk. “Community-wide vaccination is the primary option to slow – and hopefully stop – spread of this particularly contagious variant,” said Board Vice President Rosemary Hagevig.

“Although we respect the personal choices of our employees, it is our strong belief that the safety afforded by vaccination requires a vaccine mandate,” said Board Member and Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Lindy Jones.

Bartlett administration will develop the policy in collaboration with the City and Borough of Juneau Law Department and union leaders. The goal is to ensure that the hospital remains a safe place to give and receive care. Individuals with medical concerns or religious restrictions will have the right to request an exemption.

“We understand the concerns around such a mandate,” notes Bartlett CEO Rose Lawhorne, “but as the local leader in healthcare, this step communicates our commitment to our community to follow best practice and do everything we can to protect ourselves and our patients.”