DC Academy of Physician Assistants
DCAPA

COVID-19 Update

Posted about 4 years ago

With the COVID-19 National emergency affecting every corner of our country, we here at the DCAPA want to thank all health care providers who are essential to responding to this crisis.  Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this virus. Federal and local guidelines are rapidly shifting in order to prepare for and address the crisis.  The DCAPA is staying involved and updated from the AAPA and we would like to pass along some valuable updates.  For the most up to date information specific to DC, please visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/

-With the exception of one state, all other states have previously enacted provisions in statute related to PA Practice during disasters and emergencies. The National Conference of State Legislatures also has a resource page – “State Action on Coronavirus (COVID-19)” (https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-action-on-coronavirus-covid-19.aspx) – that lists every action taken by state legislatures thus far related to COVID-19. It’s updated daily. For more information on what the law in your state says about PA practice in these situations, please connect with your CO contact at AAPA.

- As of this writing, forty-eight states have declared emergencies related to COVID-19. However, the verbiage in these is very different and may or may not include specifics about healthcare practice. You should be able to access these executive orders through your governors’ offices. In addition, the National Governors Association has a website page, “Coronavirus: What You Need To Know” (https://www.nga.org/coronavirus/#actions), that includes state-by-state actions taken thus far.

TELEHEALTH visits are being utilized in order to minimize physical contact and reduce the strain onthe health care system.  Please view the health notice with Guidance for Use of Telehealth in the District of Columbia, published March 12, 2020, accessible at https://dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/page_content/attachments/Memo%20-%20Guidance%20on%20the%20Use%20of%20Telehealth.pdf

FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS LICENSED IN OTHER STATES THAT MAY NEED TO HELP WITHIN THE DISTRICT:

DC Health and Mayor Muriel Bowser released an Administrative Order to set forth requirements under which licensure, registration or certification requirements, permits and/or fees shall be waived for healthcare practitioners appointed as temporary agents of the District of Columbia, in order to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency

-Please read the complete order for further information and to determine how this order applies to you directly: https://dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/page_content/attachments/Order%20-%20Licensure%20Waivers.20.03.13.pdf

 DC is in need of volunteers and encourages medical providers to register for the Medical Reserve Corps: 


The DCAPA will continue to provide updates when able and we are here to help in any way we can.  Please reach out to us if you have any questions and we will do our best to answer or guide you to the resource with answers

 

Stay safe and healthy,

The DCAPA Board of Directors


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