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COVID-19 Announcements

COVID-19 Update - March 6, 2023


The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released the following news release on March 3, 2023 that states it is rescinding the facial covering provisions within OAR 333-019-1011 and will no longer require workers in a health care settings to wear masks, as of April 3, 2023.  “Health care settings" includes chiropractic offices and clinics.

Facial coverings/masks are still required by OHA, and the OBCE, until April 3, 2023.

Please see sections 27-29 of our Unprofessional Conduct Rule, OAR 811-035-0015, that requires chiropractic licensees to abide by Executive Orders, OHA rules, and Oregon OSHA rules. - updated 3/6/2023

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The OBCE is aware that the CDC and Oregon OSHA have updated their rules regarding COVID-19 requirements. However, the Oregon Health Authority has not changed its rules regarding masking in a healthcare. As such, there will be no change to OBCE rules or procedures, and they remain in full force and effect. 

The Board will be reviewing the CDC, Oregon OSHA, and OHA rules at its next regularly scheduled board meeting in November. - updated 9/29/22

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The Oregon Health Authority has no plans to lift mask requirements in health care settings under OAR 333-019-1011. Chiropractic offices are considered health care settings. If you have questions regarding these requirements, please contact the OHA at covid.19@dhsoha.state.or.us or use the FAQ sheet. - updated 3/1/22

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The Oregon Health Authority has updated their FAQs surrounding Healthcare Provider and Healthcare Staff Vaccine Rules, please review the document in the link below.

Healthcare Provider and Healthcare Staff Vaccine Rule FAQs (Updated 9-17-21) - updated 9/23/21

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Please review this Health Alert from the CDC regarding Ivermectin.

As a reminder: writing prescriptions for medications is outside the scope of practice for all Oregon licensed chiropractic physicians and certified chiropractic assistants.

Due to a rapid increase in Ivermectin prescriptions and reports of severe illness associated with use of products containing Ivermectin to prevent or treat COVID-19, the CDC have released an official health advisory.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed with the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) that human exposures and adverse effects associated with ivermectin reported to poison control centers have increased in 2021 compared to the pre-pandemic baseline. These reports include increased use of veterinary products not meant for human consumption." - updated 08/26/2021

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8/26/2021 - Healthcare workers required to be fully vaccinated with no testing alternative - UPDATE.

On 8/25/21, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has amended its temporary rule, COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Staff in Healthcare Settings (OAR 333-019-1010), which requires healthcare providers and healthcare staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021. There is no longer a testing option. This rule effects all OBCE licensees and healthcare staff.

Please closely read the rule's requirements and possible exceptions allowed as those who violate any provision of the rule will be subject to civil penalties of $500 per day per violation, imposed by the OHA. These requirements are effective as of October 18, 2021.

Additionally, on 8/20/21, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) adopted its temporary rule, Masking Requirements to Control COVID-19 in Health Care Settings (OAR 333-019-1011).

Please also review the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners (OBCE) rule, Facial Covering Requirements (OAR 811-035-0007).

For further information and updated guidance from OHA: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/Pages/Healthcare-Partners.aspx

For questions regarding OHA's temporary rule and requirements, contact OHA at COVID.19@dhsoha.state.or.us or 503-945-5488.

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8/19/2021 - Healthcare workers required to be fully vaccinated with no testing alternative.

Governor Brown announced today that the vaccination requirement for healthcare workers (which includes all OBCE licensees) will no longer have a testing alternative.  Healthcare workers will be required to be fully vaccinated by October 18 or six weeks after full FDA approval, whichever is later.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working to amend its temporary rule (OAR 333-019-1010) and we will provide it to our licensees once finalized.

Governor Brown's press conference is available here: Two New Vaccination Measures to Address Hospital Crisis, Help Keep Students Safe

For questions regarding OHA's temporary rule and these requirements, contact OHA at COVID.10@dhsoha.state.or.us or 503-945-5488.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________  08/06/2021 Oregon Health Authority (OHA)'s Final Temporary Administrative Rule re: COVID-19 vaccinations and weekly testing

On 08/05/2021, the OHA filed its final temporary administrative rule, OAR 333-019-1010, that requires healthcare personnel and healthcare staff who work in healthcare settings to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested for COVID-19 on at least a weekly basis.

Additionally, it requires employers of healthcare providers or healthcare staff to have and follow policies for requesting and obtaining proof of vaccination, requiring COVID-19 testing for those not vaccinated or who have an unknown vaccination status, on at least a weekly basis, and maintaining documentation of weekly COVID-19 test results for any healthcare provider or healthcare staff person who is unvaccinated or has an unknown vaccination status.

If a healthcare provider is self-employed, the healthcare provider must maintain their own documentation of vaccination or weekly COVID-19 test results. Such documentation must be maintained for at least two years and must be provided to OHA upon request. \

These requirements are effective as of September 30, 2021.  Those who violate any provision of the rule will be subject to civil penalties of $500 per day per violation, imposed by the OHA.

OBCE licensees (chiropractic physicians and certified chiropractic assistants) fall within OHA's definition of “healthcare providers and healthcare staff." Chiropractic clinics or offices, in addition to any multi-disciplinary clinics, fall within OHA's definition of “healthcare setting." The rule is silent as to who/what entity is responsible for costs associated with this rule. 

To be clear, this rule is promulgated and enforceable by OHA. To date, the OBCE has not taken any action or initiated any rulemaking with regard to these requirements.

If you have questions about this rule, please seek independent legal counsel or contact OHA directly: COVID.19@dhsoha.state.or.us.

OAR 333-019-1010 COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing Requirements for Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Staff in Healthcare Settings

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08/04/2021 Governor Brown Announces New Health and Safety Rule for Employees in Health Care Settings to Help Prevent Delta Variant Spread

Governor Brown has directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to issue a rule outlining new, required, health and safety measures for personnel in health care settings. The rule requires weekly COVID-19 testing for personnel in health care settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in health care settings, which can be waived with a proof of vaccination. The new rule will be issued this week and the requirement to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing will apply starting September 30, 2021. 

The new rule applies to personnel in health care settings who have direct or indirect contact with patients or infectious materials.

Governor Brown's statement and video can be found here:

New Health and Safety Rule Announcement

New Health and Safety Rule Video Announcement

We will update our licensees with the OHA rule and any other guidance once they are available.

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Public Notice regarding facial covering requirements

Facial coverings are still required in healthcare settings under OHA, OSHA, and OAR 811-035-0007. Chiropractic clinics are considered healthcare offices and chiropractic physicians are considered healthcare personnel. (OHA Mask, Face Covering, and Face Shield Requirements for Health Care Offices, June 30, 2021)

How did the OBCE come to this conclusion?

Executive Order 21-15 extended the emergency declaration originally found in Executive Order 20-03 while also rescinding statewide mask mandates and other protective restrictions. However, enhanced COVID-19 precautions are still necessary in specific specialized settings such as healthcare, public transportation, and correctional facilities.   

OHA Mask, Face Covering, and Face Shield Requirements for Healthcare Offices, June 30, 2021, states, “While the Governor has rescinded many of the Executive Orders, the declaration of emergency remains in effect and masks are still required in healthcare settings. See Executive Order 21-15. In addition, healthcare offices must continue to follow all applicable state and federal regulatory requirements related to masking, including Oregon-OSHA rules addressing COVID-19 workplace risks." These requirements apply to all health care personnel and healthcare offices and all patients and visitors in healthcare offices.

The OBCE, during its regular July board meeting, deliberated on whether the facial covering rule, OAR 811-035-0007 (Facial Covering Requirements), is still in effect and applicable in light of the provisions within Executive Order 21-15. After considering all public comments submitted, the OBCE determined that the rule is still in effect and applicable due to the declared state of emergency being extended until December 31, 2021.

Because the declared state of emergency has been extended by Executive Order 21-15, OAR 811-035-0015(27) (Unprofessional Conduct in the Chiropractic Profession), still requires licensees' compliance with OHA guidance.

The OBCE voted to enter rulemaking in September 2021, to consider amending OAR 811-035-0007 Facial Covering Requirements and OAR 811-035-0015 Unprofessional Conduct in the Chiropractic Profession. The OBCE will provide notice for submission of public comment in due course. Updated 7/22/2021

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On July 27, 2021, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released recommendations based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) new guidance, also issued on 7/27/21, that everyone, including fully vaccinated persons, wear a mask in public indoor settings. “OHA's recommendation applies statewide, and not just in areas with higher infections and high transmission, as cases have increased across the state in recent weeks due to the Delta variant." - Updated 07/28/2021
OHA July 27, 2021 News Release

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The Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners (OBCE) invites public comment on COVID-19 related topics below. This is a notification to licensees and interested parties that the following documents will be reviewed during the July public board meeting:

o   Facial Covering Requirements 811-035-0007 and how Governor Brown's executive order applies. 

o   Whether the Board should continue with the existing facial covering rule, modify it, or repeal it.

o   OHA 2351M Mask Face Covering, and Face Shield Requirements for Health Care Offices and how it applies to 811-035-0007  https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351m.pdf 

How to Comment:

  1. Attend the rule hearing on July 22nd, 2021

a.     Virtually via Zoom, https://zoom.us/j/94098815885?pwd=WW90NVFud3RVNTE3Zjkwam9IWThiQT09 or

  1. Provide written comments to the OBCE. Comments may be sent to the OBCE office by email, but must be received by OBCE no later than 8 am July 20th, 2021. The email address is Mackenzie.g.purnell@oregon.gov.
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The OBCE is currently short staffed and we are working hard to answer questions as they come in. We will be posting a statement regarding facial coverings and COVID measures when we've received final review. Thank you for your patience. - Updated 7/1/2021
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OHA's Statewide Reopening Guidance - Masks, Face Coverings, Face Shields - Updated 5/19/2021

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The CDC recently updated it's mask guidelines, however, it is still recommending mask wearing when traveling, in nursing homes, correctional institutions, and in medical offices. Governor Brown plans to lift restrictions when 70% of Oregon's population is fully vaccinated. The state is currently at around 40% vaccinated. You can find Governor Brown's statement regarding the CDC guidelines here. OBCE's Facial Covering Requirement is still in effect. We will provide you with further information when it becomes available. 

Updated 5/14/2021

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The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has asked all of the state's vaccine providers to immediately pause administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, following an announcement on April 13, 2021 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). - Updated 4/14/2021
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OHA PREP Act Authorization Explainer and FAQ - Updated 4/14/2021
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OHA has released its Amended PREP Act Authorization for Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines and includes chiropractic physicians among those practitioners who may vaccinate, so long as you meet the OHA requirements found within the authorization: Amended OHA Authorization Letter 

OHA COVID-19 Vaccine Updates - Updated 2/26/2021
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Governor's Press Conference Summary on Vaccines, announced 1/22/2021 - Updated 1/29/2021
OHA COVID Vaccine WebsiteUpdated 1/26/2021
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Covid-19 Vaccine Availability for Phase 1a - Updated 1/13/2021
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For those interested in obtaining the COVID vaccination, an ongoing and partial list of available vaccine locations for those in Phase 1a. Please make sure to call ahead of time for vaccine availability. Vaccine Location DocUpdated 1/12/2021

Josephine Co - Asante - vaccine clinics | Starting 01/10/2021 scheduling is open to those working in a Phase 1a facility as defined by the OHA.

Jackson Co - By appt, call 541-774-8209 | Providence and Asante are also providing vaccines.
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Updated 1/11/2021

All health care workers are scheduled to be vaccinated in Phase 1a.  Phase 1a was initially broken into four groups intended to create a sequential prioritization of receiving the vaccine (where all individuals in group 1 of phase 1a would be vaccinated before moving to individuals in group 2 of phase 1a), however, as of 1/5/2021, OHA announced they will move this week to start vaccination of all individuals in all four groups within 1a,

OHA is working with entities authorized to administer the vaccine, such as hospitals, local public health authorities, retail pharmacies and other partners to finalize the distribution plans across the state.  Each entity serving as a distribution point is responsible for the specific logistics, timing and requirements for individuals eligible to receive the vaccine.

The best ongoing source of information from OHA regarding the vaccine distribution is covidvaccine.oregon.gov 

For where to get a vaccine in your specific area, contact your local hospital, public health agency or other entity identified as a vaccine distribution point.  As OHA works with these partners, they will also be posting the specific detail for where and when you can get your vaccine at the site listed above. We expect information to roll out over the next several days.

One announced program, for individuals in Phase 1a who live or work in Marion County, Salem Health is currently running a vaccination clinic at the Oregon State Fairgrounds starting Thursday, 1/7/2021.

OHA identified the goal of vaccinating all health workers in group 1a by mid-February, dependent on sufficient supply. 

Please be sure your contact information, including current work location is up to date with the OBCE so we have clear information about where licensees are currently located in order to support the distribution efforts.

More information can be found at Governor Brown's Press Release Page
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OHA Phase1a Sequencing Plan Update, announced 1/6/2021 - Updated January 6, 2021
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OHA Vaccine Phase 1a, announced 12/18/2020 - Updated December 18, 2020
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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)
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OSHA update and information, announced 12/2/2020 - Updated December 2, 2020
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Governor Brown's Executive Order, announced 11/17/2020 - Updated November 17, 2020
Governor Brown's Two Week Freeze Announcement, announced 11/15/2020 - Updated November 16, 2020
Governor Brown's Press Conference Remarks, held 11/15/2020 - Updated November 16, 2020
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Reopening Guidance FAQs - Updated July 24, 2020
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Here is a direct link to the full guidance document "County Specific Mask, Face Shield, Face Covering Guidance." 
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(Replacing EO 20-25) A Safe And Strong Oregon (Phase II): Maintaining Essential Health Directives In Response To Covid-19, And Continuing To Implement A Phased Approach For Reopening Oregon's Economy
A Safe And Strong Oregon: Maintaining Essential Health Directives In Response To Covid-19, And Implementing A Phased Approach For Reopening Oregon's Economy

Extending the Covid-19 Declaration of Emergency (Executive Order No. 20-03) for an Additional 60 days, Through July 6, 2020

Allowing Measured Resumption Of Non-Urgent Health Care Procedures Using Personal Protective Equipment, And Continuing Restrictions On Visitation 
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(6/8/20)The following information is provided to you by Governor Brown and the Oregon Health Authority:

1. Re-opening Oregon Phase II (a PowerPoint presentation), and 
2. Here is the link to a YouTube presentation mentioned in the PowerPoint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1suDiLsqvk
4. Most Recent Guidance for Employers with occupancy updates (these are not necessarily chiropractic specific) and 
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(5/7/20) Please follow this link for the most recent guidance from OHA and the Governor’s office - Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Guidance for Resumption of Non-Emergent and Elective Procedures.  In addition, here is the latest reopening framework that the Governor spoke to at her press conference today: Reopening Oregon Framework Presentation Part 2.
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(4/28/20) Please see the latest guidance (link) from CDC and OSHA as to preparing workplaces in this time.  Also, here is a presentation from Governor Kate Brown on Re-opening Oregon

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(4/24/20)  Latest guidance from OHA and the Governor’s Office - Framework for Restarting Non-Emergent and Elective Proceduresin Medical and Dental Offices

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(4/23/20) Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will be lifting her order delaying non-urgent procedures for health care providers, as long as they can demonstrate they have met new requirements for COVID-19 safety and preparedness. Hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices, and dental offices that meet those requirements will be able to resume non-urgent procedures on May 1. The press release of her announcement and the press conference itself are found here:

     https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36471

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL0Fi9dhWyY&feature=youtu.be

Please refer to the restrictions and guidance put out by the Governor’s office and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to determine how to change or modify your practices.

     https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19

     https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19

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Cassandra C. McLeod-Skinner, J.D.
Executive Director
Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners
530 Center St NE, Suite 620
Salem, OR 97301
O: 503-373-1620
C: 503-779-9038
E: cass.mcleod-skinner@oregon.gov
www.oregon.gov/obce

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(3/26/20) The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has recently published guidance and FAQs for elective and non-elective procedures referenced in the Executive Order 20-10 issued on 3/19/20.  Please go to the following link to access the document:

https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2284.pdf

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 (3/23/20) The Governor’s Office and the OBCE are not mandating clinic or practice closure at this time. Every licensee must use their own clinical and professional judgment as to whether you are complying with best practices for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Please read the Executive Order carefully.


Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-12, Stay Home, Stay Safe

Governor Brown has issued Executive Oder 20-12 (link) that orders Oregonians to stay at home, closes specific businesses, and requires social distancing. The purpose of the order is to reduce person-to-person interaction with the goal of slowing transmission of COVID-19/corona virus.

Summary of the EO:

  • Non-essential and recreational gatherings of individuals outside of a home or place of residence are prohibited immediately if a distance of six feet between individuals cannot be maintained.
  • Individuals are prohibited from patronizing businesses that are closed by this order and from engaging in conduct prohibited by prior EOs or inconsistent with OHA guidance.
  • Individuals must maintain a social distance of at least six feet from any person not an immediate member of their family to the greatest extent possible and comply with other OHA guidance.
  • Chiropractic clinics/practices/offices are not listed among the businesses ordered closed and would be considered within the health care and medical exemption of businesses allowed to operate within closed indoor and outdoor malls.
    • The closed business list does include gyms and fitness studios, medical spas, non-medical massage therapy services, and yoga studios.
  • Required social distancing is also ordered in certain other types of retail businesses. However, offices that provide health care or medical services are not included within these types of businesses and are encouraged to comply with social distancing guidelines.
  • Businesses that have the technology and network ability to facilitate telework/work at home shall do so to the maximum extent possible. When telework/work at home options aren’t available, businesses must designate an employee to establish, implement, and enforce social distancing policies consistent with OHA guidance.

Bottom line: The Governor’s Office and the OBCE are not mandating clinic or practice closure at this time. Every licensee must use their own clinical and professional judgment as to whether you are complying with best practices for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Chiropractic practices and licensees must abide by the restrictions and guidelines indicated by this and other Executive Orders and those from the Oregon Health Authority.

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(3/20/20) Neither the Governor’s Office, nor the OBCE, is ordering clinic closures at this time.  Please read the order closely to determine if the order applies to your practice and your use of PPE. 

Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-10   

Governor Brown has issued Executive Order 20-10 (https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Documents/executive_orders/eo_20-10.pdf) that conserves personal protective equipment (PPE), postpones non-urgent health care procedures, and restricts visitation. “Procedures” and “non-urgent procedures” apply to chiropractic care. The intent and purpose of this order is to conserve much needed PPE and to limit COVID-19 exposure for healthcare practitioners, patients, and the public.

Summary of the EO:

  • The order limits all non-essential visitation at hospitals and other health care facilities. This provision is most applicable to chiropractic clinics and family members who accompany patients.
  • No later than March 23, 2020, all elective and non-urgent procedures within all healthcare settings (which includes chiropractic clinics) that utilize PPE shall be cancelled or rescheduled no earlier than June 15, 2020. There are exemptions to this section but they do not apply to chiropractic care. (Italics added for emphasis.)
  • All individuals and entities that in other, not healthcare related, industries that utilize PPE are strongly encouraged to cancel or postpone non-essential use of PPE.
  • No later than March 27, 2020, any clinics with surplus PPE supplies shall notify the state’s PPE coordinator by calling (971) 900-9952 and arrange for delivery of those surplus supplies to the coordinator. This section does not specifically name chiropractic clinics but it is the Board’s desire that chiropractic clinics participate in this provision. Also, the Board requests that all practitioners or clinics that have extra gloves include them in their surplus PPE delivery.

Please continue to abide by all orders and recommendations made by Governor Brown, the Oregon Health Authority, and the Centers for Disease Control (links provided in earlier notices [below]). As a reminder, our rules allow for telehealth practice (https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=249280) and that should not involve any PPE. If you decide to close your clinic or to temporarily not practice, please email the OBCE offices with such information.

Temporary Rules

The Board determined to issue the following temporary rules, effective March 20, 2020 (Links to 811-010-0083 License Renewal Payment Plans (COVID-19) and 811-015-0024 Continuing Education Requirements for First Year DC Licensees (COVID-19)), in light of the difficulties and hardships that COVID-19 and its restrictions has created on licensees. In summary, the Board is allowing for DC and CA renewal fees to be postponed for 90 days for those experiencing financial hardship and who notify the Board of such. The Board is also allowing for the OTC and Evidence-Based Outcomes CE requirements for first year DC renewals to be postponed until the second year renewal.

Additionally, the Board will suspend its background check requirement for renewing licensees/certificate holders who are experiencing hardship obtaining fingerprint processing from local processing offices that are closed. Please notify the Board office of your circumstance.

NOTICE: False Advertising and Marketing

The Board will be aggressively pursuing advertising and marketing violations, including but not limited to those made online and within social media, and specifically to claims involving COVID-19/Corona Virus. If you, or any licensees you know of, are making claims that they or their clinic can “improve the outcomes of,” “cure,” “prevent,” or in any other way effect patients with COVID-19/Corona Virus or their families, please notify the Board immediately for investigation and possible referral to the Attorney General. Not only are these claims possibly false or fraudulent, they put our public at grave risk.

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(3/18/2020)  The OBCE doesn’t have any policy or guidelines on temporary office closure or procedures to follow if offices stay open. Per the Governor’s office to date, there are no restrictions specifically directed to health care businesses beyond the 10 or more individuals in one setting.

 

With the recent call for increased social distancing at the state and federal level, each practice and provider should consider their own practice procedures and policies for continued patient care in an effort to ensure the highest level of safety for patients, staff and providers alike. 

 

Here are some resources to guide you as you determine how you will proceed with patient care in your practices.

 

Oregon Health Authority’s COVID -19 website and email updates—please use this website to track the latest Oregon guidance on how to deal with the Novel Coronavirus. The site also has a place to sign up for email updates—sign up to get regular email updates from the OHA. The site also has all of the Governor’s Executive Orders related to the virus.

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx

 

Center for Disease Control (CDC) website—this website has information on what’s happening in the U.S. with the virus, but also has ways practitioners can take care of themselves and recommended infection control procedures. There is also a place on the left hand side of the site to sign up for CDC email updates.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html

 

Oregon Governor’s Office—there is a new web page on the Governor’s site specifically addressing the Coronavirus 19. Here’s a link to that page: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/coronavirus2020.aspx

 

Oregon Unemployment information—the Employment Department has a specific website for COVID-19 business layoffs, closures and unemployment insurance benefits. Please use this resource for yourselves and your staff.

https://www.oregon.gov/employ/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

 

One other reminder given the changing health care environment. The OBCE allows for telehealth as a means for providing care remotely. Please see OAR 811-015-0066 here: https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=811-015-0066 Just an option to allow you to provide some level of services, as the health care environment in Oregon is changing.

 

Your liability insurance carrier may also have guidance on how to handle patient care given the virus and its potential impacts to your practice and patients. Contact your insurer to see if they have information to help given the global pandemic.

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As of March 16, 2020, Governor Brown issued the following statement regarding a further restriction of events and restaurant closures.

Please see the link and her remarks here:  https://www.oregon.gov/newsroom/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?newsid=36192

A statewide cancelation of all events and gatherings larger than 25 people — exempting essential locations like workplaces, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail stores. It's additionally recommended that Oregonians avoid gatherings of 10 people or more.


Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that offer food or beverages for sale are restricted to carry-out and delivery only with no on-site consumption permitted.


Food service at health care facilities, workplaces, and other essential facilities will continue.


All other businesses are urged to assess their practices, implement strong social distancing measures, and close their doors temporarily if they cannot put the new guidance in place.” (Emphasis added.)

At this time, no other types of businesses, other than restaurants, bars, and the like, have been restricted but please abide by the social distancing measures and best practices set by the CDC and OHA to protect our public, your patients, and yourselves.

The OBCE itself cannot mandate clinic closures, that lies with the emergency powers of the Governor, but we will provide you with the most up to date information as possible.”

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Emerging Respiratory Infections: COVID-19

(03/13/2020) The State of Oregon, and the rest of the country, is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness, called COVID-19, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.  Health officials urge good hygiene, covering coughs, and staying home if you are sick.  


Governor Brown has recently issued orders for state agencies and the public regarding measures being taken by the state that include restrictions on schools and events, based on recommendations by experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state public health officials. 

Please familiarize yourselves with this virus and how to assist in stemming the spread of this disease.  

Governor Brown’s resources: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/pages/index.aspx 

Oregon Health Authority:  https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/emerging-respiratory-infections.aspx

Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/