Coronavirus Update

The OOA continues to work with Gov. Mike DeWine’s office, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), other state leaders, and medical and physician organizations in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic. This week, new guidance was issued for outpatient providers evaluating patients for COVID-19.

The OOA is continuing to curate ODH, CDC, and other resources specific to physician practices on the OOA website. Use this form to let us know if you have questions so we can ask ODH for guidance.

As of Friday afternoon, Ohio has 13 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are 9 males, 5 females ages 34-66 with a median age of 48. The cases are located in 6 counties: Belmont, Butler, Cuyahoga, Stark, Summit, Trumbull.

DeWine, ODH Director Amy Acton, MD, and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted are now holding daily press conferences to provide information and updates. At Thursday’s press conference Acton estimated that 1% of the state population—which amounts to more than 100,000 people—likely already carry the virus. Today, DeWine said: “In the days ahead, you’re going to see more and more cases of COVID19. It is all over the state. It’s not unexpected, but you will see these numbers significantly increase in the next few days.”

In an effort to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus (which Acton said doubles every six days), DeWine has ordered a number of actions, including:

• Ban mass gatherings of 100 or more people in a single room or single space at the same time such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theater, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.
• Ban visitors at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• Close all K-12 schools for three weeks beginning next week.
• Urge all Ohioans to take precautions like social distancing. 

These precautions will remain in effect until the state of emergency no longer exists or is modified. 

Other news from the daily press updates:

• Ohio has capacity for 1,200-1,500 tests and the state lab is going to three shifts.
• Cleveland Clinic will soon have capacity for 500 tests daily.
• The virus peak is expected late April to mid May.
• Hospitals and health systems are working on plans for drive-thru testing to keep patients out of the ER. This testing still requires a physician order.

Symposium Update

The Ohio Osteopathic Symposium, with its 800 total attendance between physicians, students, guests, and exhibitors, falls under the State of Ohio ban on mass gatherings. The state ban does not specify an ending date at this time. The OOA and OU-HCOM are actively monitoring the situation as it develops. Watch for more details on the Symposium website and in OSTEOFACTS.

Regardless, please hold the April 22-26 dates in your planner for the time being. We very much appreciate your understanding and patience as this pandemic unfolds. 

SMBO Committee Considers COVID-19, CME, Other Issues

OOA Executive Director Matt Harney and Scott Wong, PhD, OMS IV, who is serving a health policy rotation at the OOA, attended the State Medical Board of Ohio policy committee meeting on Wednesday.

SMBO will soon be releasing a statement on its website regarding resources available to patients about COVID-19. In addition, a FAQ sheet concerning the use of telemedicine technologies will be made available to providers.

The board had an impromptu discussion on Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements in light of the coronavirus pandemic, and its effects on CME conferences and meeting cancellations. The board is considering an extension of CME deadlines by up to six months. This extension of deadlines will be addressed by the board’s Licensure Committee next month.

Board members also reviewed current pending legislation. SB 246 (and HB 432) concerning occupational licensing and reciprocity was discussed. The board has been meeting with the sponsors of both bills to address the educational, licensure, and enforcement standards to ensure that these would be met by health care professionals. The amended language offered by SMBO to hold the incoming health care professionals to the same standards has been well received.

Certification Exam Item Writers Needed

The AOA is progressing with plans to roll out the Addiction Medicine Subspecialty certification exam later this year. They are currently seeking physicians to assist in the test writing process. 

Eligibility guidelines include:

• Active board certification (Primary and Addiction Medicine)
• Expiration of Addiction Medicine certification =/ >3 years out
• Submission of current CV
• Disclosure of any potential conflicts/affiliations (participation in AAOAM exam prep etc.)

If interested, email the AOA at addictionmedicine@osteopathic.org. An item writing meeting is planned for early April.