On Aug. 4 Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced a new health and safety rule around COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for workers in health care settings. Learn more about the announcement, ONA’s position and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) below.

Did Governor Brown instate a vaccine mandate for nurses and other health care workers?

No. The new rule specifically requires weekly testing for health care workers and allows workers who have proof of vaccination to waive that testing requirement. ONA believes this is a reasonable approach that protects workers right to make their own health care decisions while also protecting public health. This rule also advances the work ONA has done over the past 18 months to bring testing to those who work in clinical settings. We strongly urge all Oregonians to get vaccinated as vaccines are a critical tool to prevent the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Is ONA supporting a vaccine mandate?

We support the current approach of required testing with a waiver for vaccinated nurses.

As new developments occur, such as the anticipated full authorization of one or more COVID-19 vaccines, we plan to be at the table advocating for ONA’s nurses. Should the need arise to consider a change in ONA’s current position supporting voluntary vaccination, we will rely on the data we have collected regarding the opinions of our members and the process in ONA bylaws will be followed.

What exactly is ONA supporting?

ONA supports the new requirement that health care employers provide COVID-19 testing to unvaccinated health care workers, to be conducted no less than weekly. We understand this will require employers to collect documentation of vaccination status and we believe that employers must not discriminate against nurses based on vaccination status. We also believe that no nurse should be required to wear or carry any indication of their vaccination status that is visible to their coworkers, patients or the general public unless explicitly bargained for and agreed by members.

While this is not a statement of support for mandatory vaccination, ONA believes all nurses should be vaccinated to keep themselves, their patients, and their co-workers safe both in the clinical setting and in our communities.

What is ONA doing to ensure our unionized nurses have a say in vaccine policies in workplaces?

ONA staff are prepared to support our local units in discussions about all vaccination policies. Whether it is arbitration, litigation, or demands to bargain, ONA will continue to advocate for policies that keep our nurses safe. This could include exemptions and declinations; provisions to address any adverse reactions; access to onsite vaccination clinics during paid time; etc.

We stand ready to lodge challenges where our members’ rights are violated on vaccination policies and the effects thereof. If you have questions about this, please contact your labor representative.

What else is ONA doing to close the gap on vaccination rates among nurses in our state?

ONA has launched a new campaign, “Close the Gap”, aiming to increase the number of voluntary vaccinations among nurses in our state. We will do this using data from our recent statewide survey, and employing targeted ads, member-to-member communication, and other means of nurse engagement. If you are interested in being a spokesperson to encourage vaccination, please contact news@oregonrn.org.

ONA has also recently awarded two major grants to nonprofit organizations seeking to increase vaccination rates among BIPOC communities. We will continue to partner with other labor and nursing/health care organizations to increase vaccination rates in Oregon.

Other things to consider:

The Governor’s rule does not mean that employers are free of responsibility to take all necessary steps to protect the health of nurses, patients, and other health care workers. Employers must continue to provide appropriate PPE, safe levels of staffing, and continue to engage in community and staff education around vaccinations.

Health care systems with headquarters outside of Oregon, such as PeaceHealth or Kaiser, must follow Oregon laws and statutes. ONA labor reps at these facilities are exploring all possible options to ensure these systems follow Oregon state law. If your employer is seeking to implement a mandatory vaccine policy, notify your labor representative immediately.