State Leaders Enact Sweeping Changes to Combat Pandemic

Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, MD, issued an order declaring elective surgeries and procedures in hospitals be delayed to keep hospital beds, staff, and personal protective equipment (PPE) available for the expected surge in cases. DeWine said the state had received its PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile but asked all health care providers dentists, veterinarians and others  that use PPE to conserve their supplies.

In a continued effort to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the coronavirus, DeWine and Acton also issued orders this week for the following to close: bars and restaurants dine-in operations, bowling alleys, movie theaters, indoor water parks, indoor trampoline parks, fitness centers, gyms, recreation centers, barbershops, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, hair salons, nail salons, and more than 180 Bureau of Motor Vehicles registrar offices. They also issued an order to delay the primary election and allow the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to provide child care to families with parents who work in health, safety and essential service fields during the pandemic.

Acton said with no interventions, the coronavirus could lead to 2 million deaths nationwide and with interventions, such as social distancing, the surge on hospitals can be cut by two-thirds and the number of deaths could be reduced by half.

At an emergency meeting this week the State Medical Board of Ohio suspended enforcement of telemedicine rules including in-person visit and prescribing requirements (see below). The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Health and Human Services have also made adjustments to allow for greater use of telemedicine to provide continuing care.

A resource list with links to issues mentioned above, including state orders, is on the OOA website at www.OhioDO.org/coronavirus.

Please use this form to let us know if you have COVID-19 questions so we can ask ODH for guidance.

Medical Board Takes COVID-19 Action

At the State Medical Board of Ohio emergency meeting this week, changes were made to telemedicine rules, CME requirements, and emergency licensing for out-of-state physicians. 

Beginning immediately, the Medical Board will suspend enforcement of any regulations requiring in-person visits between providers and patients. This exercise of enforcement discretion includes, but is not limited to, enforcement of regulations related to providers prescribing to patients not seen in-person by the physician

Beginning immediately, the Medical Board will suspend enforcement of the continuing education requirements for the renewal of a license. This includes, but is not limited to, the requirement for Ohio physicians to obtain 50 hours of Category 1 CME at the time of their license renewal

The SMBO telemedicine guidance and rules are posted at www.OhioDO.org/coronavirus.

Ohio Osteopathic Symposium Cancelled

The Ohio Osteopathic Association and Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine regretfully announce the cancellation of the Ohio Osteopathic Symposium (OOS) scheduled for April 22-26 at the Columbus Hilton at Easton.  

This outcome was inevitable in the face of the rapidly escalating COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that organizers cancel events consisting of 50 people or more throughout the US for the next eight weeks. State officials have reinforced this recommendation by way of an order that will remain in effect throughout the duration of the state of emergency. 

Most importantly, we recognize that osteopathic physicians are on the front lines of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Canceling the Symposium will allow you to remain in your communities to continue providing essential care and leading patient care teams.  

We are actively exploring ways in which we might be able to conduct in an alternate format some of the key annual events traditionally held in conjunction with the OOS, such as the leadership transitions of the state OOA and ACOFP. We will continue to keep you updated on this.

All registrants who have already submitted payment are eligible for refunds. Any refund questions should be directed to Joanne Barnhart via email at jbarnhart@OhioDO.org.

Those of you who have made room reservations at the Columbus Hilton at Easton Town Center, please be sure to cancel your room by calling 614-414-5000.

Hold the Dates Just in Case

Since many physicians count on the 30+ hours of CME provided each year at the Symposium, the OOA is discussing ways to provide some type of online CME programming during the April 22-26 timeframe.

In a short survey last week of Symposium registrants more than three-quarters expressed interest in an online CME conference.

Watch for details soon.

OOA Office has Transitioned to a Virtual Workplace

You won't see much of a difference, though. You'll still receive the OSTEOFACTS every Friday and get updates on OOA social media (be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook). We're still processing dues payments (renew online). We're still working with the Ohio Department of Health and the Governor's Office--now more than ever.

If you call the office, please leave a message as staff is regularly checking voicemail. But email is the most efficient option at this time.

Matt Harney mattharney@OhioDO.org
Joanne Barnhart jbarnhart@OhioDO.org
Cheryl Markino cmarkino@OhioDO.org
Carol Tatman ctatman@OhioDO.org