COVID-19 Information
March 19 2020 Board Meeting Minutes
Agenda
•Closures due to COVID 19
•Insurance
•Fall Meeting
•Government Financial Aid
President Paul DesRosiers called an impromptu meeting of the MARA Board of Directors to discuss the recent COVID 19 situation.
•With New Brunswick in a declared State of Emergency, all non essential services are to be closed. In solidarity with our members in New Brunswick and for the safety of our members and the public in PEI and Nova Scotia, MARA has advised all members to suspend their practices. It can be assumed that Nova Scotia and PEI will follow New Brunswick in their government's decision to formally close services. Other professional associations and Colleges are following suit.
•Insurance Company, Lackner McLennan is advising that they will not extend coverage should clients receiving care contract COVID 19. The Board advises members to contact their liability insurance company. Until Insurance companies extend coverage, members cannot maintain their practice as outlined in our Membership protocol.
•The BOD also advises that members cannot volunteer their services at this time because of having no liability insurance coverage.
•The Board will continue to post information as it comes available concerning insurance coverage and government assistance.
•The BOD is still planning a Fall meeting and education session.
•The Board would like to encourage members to stay positive and maintain a professional and positive social media presence. Continue to spread positive Qi! This may also be a great time to take advantage of some online seminars and podcasts for CEUs and professional development.
Adjourned 9:15pm
MARA Board of Directors Newsletter re: COVID 19 - IMPORTANT
From March 19 2020 Teleconfence Meeting
MARA Special Newsletter - COVID-19 March 17 2020
March 17 2020 Information
Sent out on behalf of Dr Jennifer Russell Chief Medical Officer of Health in NB.
Quick Links
Province of NB - Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH)
Province of NB - Health & Allied Health Professionals
Province of NS
https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
Province of PE
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/alert/advisory-coronavirus-infection
Goverment of Canada - What Health Professionals need to know
World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Acu Specific Resources
ACTMANS COVID-19 Update to Members
ATCMANS Covid-19 Update March 18, 2020
Amid growing concerns about the spread of Covid-19 in Nova Scotia, increased safety measures being imposed by the government and in accordance with other associations nation wide we feel it necessary to update our position statement issued on Monday, March 16th.
***We are recommending that our members close their practices and stop treatment as soon as possible****
It is impossible to practice social-distancing when treating clients, and even with the best protocols, it would still be possible to transmit the virus between client-practitioner and vice-versa. As doctors’ offices, hospitals, dentists, optometrists, etc. are all closing for
non-urgent care we feel as health-care providers we should do the same.
Of course, we cannot legally mandate our members to close. So, if you do choose to continue treatment, please be extra diligent in cleanliness as outlined in our previous notice. Ensure your medical charts are well written up; consider adding in a section where you inquire about the risk factors for Covid-19 and the client’s response. You may also want to contact your liability insurance provider to check if there are any clauses in your coverage regarding practising during a State of Emergency or a Public Health Emergency; these have not been declared in Nova Scotia yet, but could be at any time.
The federal government also announced today a large aid package is being developed to help support all Canadians who are affected by this, including the Self-Employed, small business owners and causal workers. The big 6 banks also announced this morning they will be extending credit, delaying payments, etc. for those who’s incomes are affected. No exact details yet as it’s all happening in “real-time” but they are thinking about people in our exact situation.
We will continue to update you by e-mail and on our private members Facebook group as this situation unfolds. Below are links to the Federal and NS government sites so you can stay up to date.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse.html
https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/
MTANS COVID-19 Update to Members
The following is a recent statement from MTANS. Take note of the statement from Lackner McLennan Insurance.
Below is the latest news release from the Nova Scotian government concerning COVID 19.
From the news conference yesterday, we have had several inquiries if massage therapy falls under the personal service group that should shut down at midnight Thursday, March 19. We have reached out to the Chief Medical Officer's office for clarification.
As well, here is the response from our insurance provider concerning Liability Coverage and COVID 19:
"We at Lackner McLennan Insurance hope you, your family, and your clients are keeping well during this exceptional COVID19 situation. So far the NS Provincial government has not announced that the suspension of all Non-Essential RMT Treatments / services.
For those who choose to continue to practice, unfortunately please be advised that their Professional & Commercial General Liability insurance will not cover you should someone become ill with COVID-19 contracted as a result of attending a RMT appointment. Having their patient / client sign a wavier is not guaranteed to protect the members if a lawsuit were to occur.
We encourage you to review the World Health Organizations: https://www.who.int/ for guidelines and advice during this time or If you’re looking for updates on COVID-19, you can read more from Health Canada here:https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html."
Please continue to monitor your emails and reliable news sources. We will provide you with the latest updates and information when received.
Thank you,
MTANS
Douglas Benson RMT/Dr. of Acupuncture
WB COVID-19 Update to Members March 18 2020
The following is a recent statement from MTANS. Take note of the statement from Lackner McLennan Insurance.
Below is the latest news release from the Nova Scotian government concerning COVID 19.
From the news conference yesterday, we have had several inquiries if massage therapy falls under the personal service group that should shut down at midnight Thursday, March 19. We have reached out to the Chief Medical Officer's office for clarification.
As well, here is the response from our insurance provider concerning Liability Coverage and COVID 19:
"We at Lackner McLennan Insurance hope you, your family, and your clients are keeping well during this exceptional COVID19 situation. So far the NS Provincial government has not announced that the suspension of all Non-Essential RMT Treatments / services.
For those who choose to continue to practice, unfortunately please be advised that their Professional & Commercial General Liability insurance will not cover you should someone become ill with COVID-19 contracted as a result of attending a RMT appointment. Having their patient / client sign a wavier is not guaranteed to protect the members if a lawsuit were to occur.
We encourage you to review the World Health Organizations: https://www.who.int/ for guidelines and advice during this time or If you’re looking for updates on COVID-19, you can read more from Health Canada here:https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html."
Please continue to monitor your emails and reliable news sources. We will provide you with the latest updates and information when received.
Thank you,
MTANS
Douglas Benson RMT/Dr. of Acupuncture
