COVID-19 UpdatesPlease scroll this page for important information regarding public health and other COVID-19 resources as they apply to the physical therapy community
August 6, 2021: August 6, 2021: The Oregon Health Authority has published temporary rules requiring weekly COVID testing for all health care workers per direction from the Governor. | August 4, 2021: Governor Brown announced that all health care workers will be required to submit to weekly testing for the coronavirus unless they are vaccinated and directed the Oregon Health Authority to promulgate rules. The Board will post additional information as it becomes available.
July 22, 2021: The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy has updated its website with current resources for Covid-19. “While the majority of prior executive orders and general restrictions have been lifted, there are still requirements for physical distancing and mask use for unvaccinated or at-risk individuals. There are also recommendations and requirements relating to all 'health care settings', which includes all clinics, home care or any location where health care services are delivered published by the Oregon Health Authority, as well as requirements pertaining to all businesses published by Oregon OSHA. Practitioners are expected to comply with all applicable requirements published by the OHA, OSHA, CDC or other state or federal body, and are encouraged to implement recommendations to the greatest extent possible.” See the web page for more information and links to the OHA documents: https://www.oregon.gov/pt/pages/announcements.aspx
January 20, 2021: Kaiser will begin COVID vaccinations at the convention center beginning 1/20 with 1500 scheduled vaccinations - invite only from the online registration link: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine Mass vaccination efforts will begin the following week when Providence, Legacy and OHSU join. They anticipate Saturday 1/23 from 9-5 as a start for drop in vaccines but it may be the following week depending on coordination. COVID-19 vaccination registration links Multnomah County: https://multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-information-phase-1a-priority-groups
Deschutes County: https://www.stcharleshealthcare.org The Oregon Board of Physical Therapy continues to update their website with the most current information available. The most recent update was today, January 15, following Governor Brown’s press conference. Among the updates is a list of current vaccination locations by county: https://www.oregon.gov/pt/Documents/CovidVaccine1a.pdf Oregon Board of Physical Therapy Announcements Page The best ongoing source of information from OHA regarding the vaccine and distribution is covidvaccine.oregon.gov We will continue to share important information as we become aware. Please also check the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy’s website as information continues to be updated frequently. More information will be shared there next week: https://www.oregon.gov/pt/Pages/default.aspx Kaiser is releasing the vaccine to medical providers outside of Kaiser and you can schedule an appointment to get one. Call 1-800-813-2000 Select the option for member services Be ready to answer some general demographic information and have your SSN and mother's maiden name ready. Oregon Health Authority Public Meeting Schedule https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDHS/bulletins/2b50774
January 8, 2021: Press Briefing with Gov. Brown Physical Therapy Practice during COVID-19 Outbreak; Info & ResourcesLast Updated 12/30/2020 The response to the COVID-19 outbreak is evolving rapidly, with mandatory measures and guidance being published daily at the local, state and national levels, we strongly encourage you to follow the links below frequently for updated information as things change. PRACTITIONER VACCINATIONThe latest information on the vaccine and distribution from OHA is here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ERD/Pages/Phase1aOfVaccinePlanTargetsWideRangeOfHealthSettings.aspx
Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants will fall into different groups within Phase 1a depending on where you currently practice. Right now, distribution is focused on groups 1-2, and is being coordinated through those referenced facilities. For those of you that would fall into groups 3 and 4, the specific distribution plan has not yet been finalized. There are close to 400,000 front line workers for Phase 1a overall in Oregon and limited supplies. The exact timing of when later groups will be scheduled is not yet known, and will depend on supply. OHA is currently finalizing the distribution plans, including how individuals at smaller outpatient clinics will be able to register for the vaccine. Once we have the specifics, we will post here and will email notice to all licensees. Please be sure your contact information is up to date in the licensee portal. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ GUIDANCE FOR PRACTICEThe Governor has issued several Executive Orders relating to the Pandemic. Licensees are expected to comply with all applicable requirements of the orders and related OHA guidance, relevant to the specific care setting and type of procedure. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Executive Orders pertaining to declared public health emergency.MOST RECENT: Governor Brown has issued Executive Order 20-66, effective December 3, 2020, found here: eo_20-66.pdf (oregon.gov). Please continue to review and abide by all guidance and restrictions from Governor Brown and OHA, website: OHA 3461 Sector Risk Categories (state.or.us)
All Executive Orders can be found here: --> Executive Orders <-- ____________________________________________________________________________________________
OSHA has issued temporary rules pertaining to all businesses.The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Agency (Oregon OSHA) has promulgated a temporary rule, OAR 437-001-0744, effective November 16, 2020 – May 4, 2021, with regard to COVID-19 workplace risks. The rule can be found here: https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHARules/div1/437-001-0744.pdf.
Please review the rule closely to determine applicability to your particular business situation. This rule applies to those providing direct patient care-- See OAR 437-001-0744 2(d).
This link provides resources from Oregon OSHA to assist employers through this process: https://osha.oregon.gov/news/2020/Pages/nr2020-41.aspx
If you have any questions with regard to Oregon OSHA’s rules and how it may apply to your business situation, please contact that agency at 503-378-3272 or online: https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/contactus.aspx
____________________________________________________________________________________________ Oregon Health Authority GuidanceThe Oregon Health Authority has issued accompanying frameworks and specific guidelines for practice posted on their website at: --> OHA COVID-19 Info for Health Care Partners <-- We highly recommend reviewing all the resources found there, but we have cross-posted some relevant information for licensees as well: OHA's Statewide Mask, Face Covering, Face Shield Guidance for Health Care Offices - Updated 9/1/2020 Additional Links and Flyers:https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov Oregon's Phase 1A Vaccine Sequencing Frequently Asked Questions
Public health resources
Vaccination Information
The first shipment of vaccines are due to arrive in Oregon around December 15 and will be distributed according to Oregon’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Since the vaccine will take time to be distributed widely, it’s important to continue taking safety measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Keep informed with OHA’s vaccine update pages in English and Spanish. APTA Coronavirus UpdateSocial Media accounts to follow/retweet
May 1, 2020 May 7, 2020 - Highlights from Governor Brown's press conference this morning to discuss and release guidelines for reopening Oregon and provided specifics and timelines.
Important General Guidelines: April 16, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain the U.S. health care system, providers, patients, and small businesses. The American Physical Therapy Association is grateful for the work that Congress has done to assist health care providers, patients, students, and small businesses. As Congress continues to work on a fourth COVID relief package, we are asking legislators to take additional steps to ensure patient and provider protections, including providing a long-term policy solution for increasing access to rehabilitation services via telehealth, assisting small businesses, protecting health care providers and first responders at the front lines of the pandemic, and ensuring economic stability for the health care system. This week, APTA sent this letter to Congress and Administration officials on recommended policies for inclusion in the next COVID relief package. While Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have taken a number of actions to address the current pandemic, APTA is urging Congress to take immediate steps to ensure patient safety and protect health care providers, including stopping any cuts to Medicare payment. Click here for a link to share with your colleagues, friends, and family to encourage them to send a letter of their own. Thank you for your advocacy during this time. Optional Upcoming Webinars:Medicare Telehealth Coverage for Physical Therapists – Facebook Live Q & A A Message from the APTA Oregon Board of DirectorsMarch 23, 2020 - We appreciate the questions and concerns expressed by some of our members regarding the continued provision of services provided by both PTs and PTAs during this period of restriction on movement and social distancing in response to the impact of the COVID-19 virus. The APTA Oregon Board of Directors and staff are monitoring the recommendations from government and private agencies, as well as the APTA, in order to provide up to date information to our members and the impact on our services. Although we are not restricted from providing these services, we are advised to use our professional judgment as to whether and how to conduct these services for the protection of our patient, clients, caregivers, ourselves, and staff. Here is current information and related resources.
Governor Kate Brown has issued Executive Order 20-12, effective today, March 23, 2020. Read the full text of the executive order. Page 4 of EO 20-12 does not include closure of any medical clinic, including physical therapy. The State of Oregon has provided a summary of recommendations, including the provision of exceptions for "hospitals and healthcare". APTA Oregon represents members who work in all physical therapy sectors. We are working with the information made available from our federal, state and local agencies. We rely on physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to follow our shared core values, and most of all, to do no harm in the settings where they practice. Our position is aligned with that of the American Physical Therapy Association as expressed by President Sharon Dunn. APTA is regularly providing updates and resources to support implementing telehealth and e-visits as a means to continue care and protect the safety of the public. Members are encouraged to regularly visit the APTA website and the Oregon Board of Physical Therapy for the most recent updates and resources. Several sections of the APTA have developed free resources to help inform and guide decision-making:
The CDC provides guidance to healthcare providers who must, in their clinical judgement and in collaboration with the patient, provide in-person direct care. Members are urged to review and adopt the most current recommendations in the interest of public health and patient management. We hope this information is helpful as we all work together to address the widespread and extensive impact of this virus. Stay safe and be well. Respectfully, Payor resources
January 15, 2021 - Moda Health updates Telehealth and Telemedicine Expanded Services for COVID-19: Effective January 1, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, Maternal and Child Health Section is temporarily adopting OAR 333-006-0170 to support appropriate response during an outbreak or epidemic of an infectious disease. The rule allows Newborn Nurse Home Visiting services (98960, 99501, 99502) provided under OAR 333-006-0120 to be provided by telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of the home visiting workforce and families receiving the services. (OHA24, OHA25). Added to Misc Services: 93750 - Interrogation of ventricular assist device. Please see Policy and Version Compare feature on your Landscape for more details. December 17, 2020 - Oregon extends telehealth agreement for health insurance plans June 23, 2020 - State of Oregon announces telehealth agreement for health insurance plans June 2, 2020 - Moda updates Telehealth and Telemedicine Expanded Services for COVID-19 6-1-2020 May 15, 2020 - CMS guidelines for added telehealth codes for rehab under the "Sometimes Therapy" criteria May 14, 2020 - An update from OR Medicaid that provides details on upcoming public meetings May 11, 2020 - Medicaid Oregon Update This is from page 5 of the OR Medicaid alert…hopeful that others are pressuring CMS: During these challenging times, OHA understands that access to telehealth for physical, oral and behavioral health care is necessary and encourages all Oregon Health Plan providers and plans to expand telehealth opportunities. OHA is reviewing ways to increase member access to emergent physical, behavioral and oral health services. OHA is requesting additional telemedicine authority from CMS to assure continued access to services for covered members and will update this guide with any changes that allow additional services to be provided via telemedicine. This is from page 6: To ensure members of the Oregon Health Plan have continued access to appropriate physical, behavioral and oral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, OHA is expanding coverage for the delivery of services using telemedicine/telehealth and telephone platforms. Medicaid Oregon COVID-19 Provider Guide 5-8-2020 - Physical, occupational and speech therapy services - OHP will reimburse for the following therapy codes when provided through a telehealth modality: 97161-97168, 97110, 97112, 97116, 97535, 97550, 97760, 97761, 92521-92524, 92507, G2061, G2062,G2063, G2010, G2012, 98966, 98967, and 98968. April 27, 2020 - Medicaid Oregon Announcement: Telehealth services provided by OT, PT, and Speech therapists are covered by OHP 4-21-2020. During the COVID-19 emergency the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will reimburse for the following therapy codes when provided via through a telehealth modality. Reimbursement will be the same as for services provided in-person.- 97161-97168, 97110, 97112, 97116, 97535, 97550, 97760, 97761, 92521-92524, 92507. Please click here for details. April 20, 2020 - PacificSource Telehealth Policy April 6 2020 - Aetna Announces Telehealth Coverage Aetna will reimburse physical therapy telehealth services provided by qualified health care professionals. State laws and regulations apply. Benefits will be processed in accordance with the member’s plan. For out-of-network providers, please contact Aetna to confirm if the member's plan benefits allow telehealth services. This change is effective immediately for dates of service April 2, 2020 and thereafter. Aetna will cover CPT codes 97161, 97162, 97163, 97164, 97110, 97112, 97116, 97535, 97755, 97760, and 97761. The telehealth care must be provided as a two-way synchronous (real-time) audiovisual service. Providers are required to append the GT modifier to the codes. For telehealth services delivered by institution-based physical therapists they may be billed on a UB04 claim form using modifier GT or 95. March 30, 2020 - Clinicians can now provide more services to beneficiaries via telehealth so that clinicians can take care of their patients while mitigating the risk of the spread of the virus. Under the public health emergency, all beneficiaries across the country can receive Medicare telehealth and other communications technology- based services wherever they are located. Clinicians can provide these services to new or established patients. In addition, providers can waive Medicare copayments for these telehealth services for beneficiaries in Original Medicare. Therapy Services, Physical and Occupational Therapy, All levels (CPT codes 97161- 97168; CPT codes 97110, 97112, 97116, 97535, 97750, 97755, 97760, 97761, 92521- 92524, 92507) March 28, 2020 - Tell CMS to Cover Telehealth Services Furnished by PTs and PTAs Under Medicare MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD TODAY: Tell CMS to cover telehealth services furnished by PTs and PTAs under Medicare. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, gives broad waiver authority to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to waive the restrictions on the types of providers who may provide and bill for telehealth services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 emergency period. It is important to note that this legislation, while giving the authority to the HHS Secretary (and thereby CMS) to expand the types of providers eligible to furnish telehealth services under Medicare, does not require the Secretary to take such action. Therefore, we are encouraging all PTs, PTAs, and physical therapy students to use this template letter to tell CMS to expand the types of providers eligible to furnish telehealth services under Medicare to include physical therapists and physical therapist assistants during the COVID-19 public health emergency. [Submission instructions are at the top of the letter]. Non-Payor-Related Telehealth resources
APTA
PTs, PTAs, and Students: Volunteer via APTA Engage. A member of our team will contact you to match you with a facility in your area that needs assistance.
For Facilities: Facilities and practices looking for volunteers. To find volunteers, complete APTA's online form, outlining your facility's needs. A member of our team will contact you with volunteers that can be of assistance during this time.
Employee/Employer ResourcesOSHA - Workers' Rights Payroll Protection Program through CARES Act - Contact the SBA or your lender for additional information. Please note the Small Business Administration has opened its Paycheck Protection Program to assist with small business relief. SBA expects many small businesses to apply, so eligible small businesses should reach out to their banks and begin preparing their applications. September 22, 2020 - As COVID-19 continues to impact our daily lives and Oregon remains under a public health State of Emergency, state agencies continue to put forth administrative rules that govern activities in the workplace in the COVID-19 environment. Recently, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries published new permanent and temporary rules to make changes to Oregon’s family leave law (OFLA). It is important for employers, particularly those in independent practice, to be aware of these new rules. While these rules are relatively straightforward compared to others under consideration that we expect to be adopted soon, it is important to understand whether they are applicable to your office and employees and, if necessary, to consult your human resource specialist or an employment lawyer.
The new permanent BOLI rule, which became effective on September 14, allows an eligible employee to take OFLA protected time off to care for a child whose school or childcare provider has been closed by a public official for a public health emergency. The temporary administrative rule provides clarifying detail and definitions for the permanent rule. Link to both rules: Permanent rule and temporary rule related to OFLA Sick Child Leave. September 19, 2020 - Post-Payment Reporting Requirements May 12, 2020 - Do you know of any small clinic in need of face shields? There are 10,000 face shields that could be free and shipped as a project to provide medical grade face shields to at risk workers, medical staff, and First Responders that have not been able to get them. Here is more information.
WEBINAR - Rights and Power- The Essential Guide Thursday May 7, 2020 7:00pm-8:00pm
Via Zoom (abajo para español) Hosted by Northwest Workers’ Justice Project, Portland Jobs With Justice, and Voz Workers' Rights Education Project. *OPTA does not endorse the content, but rather, is simply providing as a resource during these uncertain times
Join legal experts and worker organizers for a training on your rights and strategies for organizing your coworkers for health, safety, and justice in the workplace. Webinar specifically designed for Portland area workers, including:
RSVP at https://forms.gle/5VyCSf5kqAsb2mFw6 Estamos organizando una capacitación en español el miércoles 6 de mayo 5-6:30pm. Más información muy pronto. *****************************************************
The COVID-19-related grant funds intended for distribution to health care providers will receive another $75 billion as part of a $484 billion "phase 3.5" coronavirus relief bill signed by President Trump on Friday, April 24.
Known as the Paycheck Protection and Health Care Enhancement Act, the $484 billion relief measure focuses mainly on replenishing the U.S. Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, the loan program that saw its previously allotted $384 billion quickly depleted. This time around, the program will receive $310 billion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will also get an infusion of cash to be used for provider grant programs. The CARES Act enacted in late March carved out $100 billion for health care provider assistance; the latest package adds another $75 billion. The additional funds are intended to be used to support "eligible health care providers" that include public entities, Medicare or Medicaid-enrolled providers (including PTs), and nonprofit entities that diagnose, test, or care for individuals with possible or actual cases of COVID-19. To date, HHS has designated about $30 billion for deposit directly into providers' bank accounts or via paper checks. More information on that program is available in this PT in Motion News story published when funds were released, along with two follow-up reports — one on how providers can verity if they're to receive the money, and another that addresses more details of the program. With additional funding now provided to these programs, Congress can now focus on the next COVID relief package, known as COVID Phase 4, which could be considered as early as May. APTA is continuing our advocacy efforts to include our policy recommendations in the COVID Phase 4 relief package. Those recommendations from APTA are spelled out in a letter to both chambers of Congress that outlines seven steps lawmakers should take to ensure patient safety and protect health care providers. APTA also continues to urge members and stakeholders to join the association in a grassroots effort to press lawmakers for changes — some temporary, others lasting — that will protect patients and support providers both during the emergency and in years to come. Among the changes recommended: a permanent recognition of PTs and PTAs as approved telehealth providers under Medicare, a suspension of requirements that CMS believes forces it to make significant payment cuts to more than three dozen health professions, and more support for health care providers with small businesses. Other funding in the package includes $50 billion for Economic Disaster Loans, $10 billion for Economic Disaster Loans advance grants, and $25 billion for COVID-10 testing, $11 billion of which will go directly to states.
A message from APTA Oregon President, Christina Howard, regarding COVID-19 and Telehealth Services |
PH_34-2021.pdf