Executive Directors Messages COVID 19

Executive Director Messages Board Guidance

Email sent 2/24/2022
Important Information Re: Status of the State of Emergency Declaration and Vaccine/Mask Mandates For Health Care Workers In Health Care Settings

Email sent 9/8/2021

Information from Oregon Board of Pharmacy re: Ivermectin Prescriptions for Treating or Preventing COVID-19

Email sent 9/7/2021
OHA Vaccine Mandate / Remote Telemedicine Practice Information

Email sent 8/20/2021
Governor Brown Announces: Health care workers, K-12 educators, staff, and volunteers required to be FULLY VACCINATED

Email sent 1/11/2021
Practioner Vaccination

Email sent 1/6/2021
Email: OHA Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Update
PDF Memo OHA Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Update

Email sent 9/25/2020

Facial Shield Requirements for NDs / Staff / Patients / Public

Email sent 5/19/2020:
Make a difference today

Oregon needs your help during COVID-19

VOLUNTEER NOW

State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR)

Oregon is facing a public health care crisis due to COVID-19. As a health care professional in Oregon, the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR) needs your help today.

SERV-OR is Oregon's roster of licensed physicians, nurses, pharmacists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), behavioral health providers, respiratory therapists and others who have registered to volunteer in response to local, state, and/or federal emergencies.

Right now, health care resources are strained and we need more health professionals to volunteer. Register with SERV-OR today to support your fellow health professionals and communities in this time of crisis.

It's easy to register with SERV-OR

Register in a few simple steps:
·       Visit the Registration Page
·       Set up an account
·       Fill out the form (approximately 15-20 minutes)

Use this helpful step-by-step registration guide if you have questions.

Licensed out of state? You can still help in Oregon.

If you are licensed in another state, see the following links for information on how to volunteer in Oregon:

· Oregon Medical Board COVID-19 page
· Oregon State Board of Nursing Emergency Authorization

Are you a previously licensed healthcare professional?
You can still register with SERV-OR. Additional training and a background check are required, prior to activation.

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Email sent 5/8/2020:

NEWS RELEASE

May 7, 2020

Media Contact:
Charles Boyle, 503-931-7773

Governor Kate Brown Releases Plan for Rebuilding a Safe and Strong Oregon

Phased approach for counties and businesses emphasizes data, safety, and physical distancing

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Email sent 5/1/2020:
UPDATE: Please also see: Guidance on Resumption of Non-Emergent and Elective Procedures

in Medical and Dental Offices, and Other Health Care Settings

Hello All,

I hope this message finds you all as well as can be expected.

On April 14th Governor Brown announced a public health framework for restarting public life and business in Oregon. This plan outlines the necessary tasks, discrete steps and guidelines for step-by-step reopening. Among those important tasks is a look at how and when to resume non-emergent and elective procedures requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) .

Several of you have reached out to the Board asking for guidance for reopening your clinic and asking what is required of you under the Governor's Order. The Governor, through the Oregon Health Authority, provide guidance on the Governor's Executive Orders. On April 23, 2020 OHA released a framework for restarting non-emergent and elective procedures in medical and dental offices that require PPE, including priorities, required steps and specific criteria.

I hope you all find this is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director

Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine

800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407

Portland OR 97232

971/673-0193 main

971/673-0226 (fax)

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Email sent 4/14/2020:
Hello All,

Licensees and other stakeholders are sending me valuable feedback and further questions regarding out of state licensure requirements and telemedicine. I am sharing some of these questions, and my answers, in hopes of clarifying and to further advise on the intent / operation of state statutes, rules and regulations. I understand you are receiving a lot of emails from the Board. I appreciate your patience as we get through this together! I hope you find the guidance helpful.

Q1: If the doctor is located in Oregon and has an Oregon license, why does it matter where the patient it located? The doctor's work is assessing and creating the treatment plan, and if the doctor is in Oregon while they are doing that work, then why doesn't the Oregon license cover that work?

Oregon licensure regulations establish standards for competency to ensure and enhance public safety by protecting patients / individuals treated in the State of Oregon. Per the OBNM Mission Statement: The mission of the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is to regulate, through the Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules, the practices of naturopathic medicine in order to ensure protection of the public. We promote excellence in the practice of naturopathic medicine by assuring quality education, regulating naturopathic practices, and fostering ongoing public outreach. In this manner, the Board cultivates public trust and safety by ensuring the State of Oregon is served by naturopathic professionals providing the highest standards of care.

Q2: How does getting an additional license in the state the patient is physically located actually improve the care the patient is receiving? How does this rule actually help make an out-of-state patient safer or get better care or make doctors better practitioners?

Licensure requirements (rules) vary by state. It is the responsibility of each state government / regulatory agency to impose licensure regulations that protects patients and enhances safety for the members of the public in their state. Every regulated state has sole jurisdiction to determine their respective licensure regulations. Each state also determines what level of regulation is necessary to maintain their competency standards for licensure during this state of emergency. Oregon, Hawaii, California, and Montana, have a statute or rule that allows emergency licensure if an applicant is licensed in a state that has equivalent licensure regulations. However, if the applicant is from a state that does not have equivalent licensure regulations, or their respective state does not have licensure at all, the applicants may not qualify for an emergency license in those states.

Q3: Why is the location of the patient at the time of care determine “jurisdiction" when it is the Oregon licensee "practicing medicine"?

The purpose of licensure regulations is protection of the public. Oregon does not have the jurisdiction / authority to determine what licensure requirements will protect members of the public physically located in another state. No other state regulatory agency may impose (or relax) Oregon licensure requirements to treat patients physically located in Oregon. It is the sole decision and responsibility of each state government / regulatory agency to determine what regulations will adequately protect the members of the public in their state.

Q4: The “physical location" rule creates a huge restriction to the expansion of telemedicine and medical care, is there a way Oregon licensees can practice in another state with only an Oregon license, but with restrictions or caveats to providing that telemedicine that recognize the limitations that are inherent to telemedicine?

Practice of medicine being defined by the physical location of the patient is NOT AN OREGON RULE. All state regulations begin and end at their respective state borders. Governor Brown, the Oregon Legislature and OBNM are doing our best to break down regulatory barriers IN OREGON. OBNM has a widely publicized streamlined emergency licensure application process for out of state licensees so that they may continue to provide care for their patients physically located in the State of Oregon during this emergency.

Unfortunately, not all states are able or willing to do the same. Any regulatory limitations or restrictions (that are understandably frustrating) in another state, is solely due to the statutes, rules and regulations in THAT STATE. For example, at this time, AZ does not have any form of emergency licensure and WA limits out of state licensees to an emergency volunteer registry. Neither Governor Brown, the Oregon Legislature or OBNM has the authority or jurisdiction to impose or revise regulations in Arizona, Washington, or any other state.

I hear and empathize with your frustration and concerns for your patients not physically located in Oregon. Again, and unfortunately, the only solution I can offer is to direct you to our website for emergency licensure regulations by state, and advise you to contact the state agency in which your patient is physically located with your questions regarding any regulatory questions / restrictions.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any further questions regarding Oregon regulations and treating patients physically located in Oregon.

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland OR 97232
971/673-0193 main
971/673-0226 (fax)

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Email sent 4/9/2020:
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine regulates ND's licensed in the State of Oregon and practice in the State of Oregon. All state regulations end at the border of each state. That is true for every state. At this time, every regulated state views the physical location of the patient (whether in person or telemedicine) as the location of care for the purposes of licensure. OBNM/Oregon statutes and rules DO NOT keep Oregon licensees from practicing in another state. OBNM/Oregon statues and rules only apply to practice IN OREGON. To determine whether you can practice in another state – you have to check the licensure regulations / restrictions in state you want to practice.

When Or. Governor Brown declared the state of emergency – it triggered Oregon Administrative Rule 850-030-0055 Practice in Oregon by Out-of-State Naturopathic Physicians In the Event of an Emergency - which allows out of state licensees to apply to OBNM for an emergency OR license with full privileges to practice in Oregon for the duration of the emergency. Other states have similar emergency licensure provisions. Please see our website for the Emergency Licensure Provisions by State - As you will see, California, Hawaii, Montana have similar emergency licensure provisions as Oregon. Washington does not, they have An Emergency Volunteer Registry.

On Wed. April 8, I spoke with the ED for the WA Board of Naturopathic Medicine, she is checking with her AG's office to determine whether or not WASHINGTON REGULATIONS allow Oregon, or other out of state licensees, to engage in telemedicine to established patients in Washington. LICENSEES WHO WANT TO PRACTICE IN WA – MUST CONTACT WASHINGTON BOARD FOR UPDATES TO THEIR REGULATIONS.

The OBNM and Governor Brown do not have jurisdiction in Washington or any other state to determine what is required to practice in that state. I hope this clears up the present confusion regarding practice in WA. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you!

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland OR 97232
971/673-0193 main
971/673-0226 (fax)
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Email sent 4/7/2020:
Hello All:

I hope this email finds you safe and as well as can be expected during this challenging time. The Board and the Governor's office continue to field questions regarding Executive Order No. 20-10, which to cancelled all elective and non-urgent health care procedures that require personal protective equipment (PPE) effective March 23, 2020. In response to those questions, yesterday the Oregon Health Authority released Revised Interim COVID-19 Guidance for Elective and Non-Urgent Procedures. Please review and let me know if you have any further questions.

As a reminder – licensed Naturopathic Physicians are permitted to engage in Telemedicine in the State of Oregon. Naturopathic Physicians licensed in the State of Oregon do not have to establish care through an in-person appointment prior to engaging in telemedicine. Oregon licensees may engage in telemedicine with a new patient that they have not previously seen in person. Oregon licensees may only treat patients who are physically in the State of Oregon at the time of treatment through telemedicine. Oregon statutes and rules only regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine in the State of Oregon. If you want to treat a patient not physically located in Oregon, you must comply with the regulations in the state your patient is physically located at the time of treatment.

Thank you for all of your hard work and patience as we move through this crisis together.

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland OR 97232
971/673-0193 main
971/673-0226 (fax)

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Email sent 3/31/2020:
The Board is diligently working to protect Oregonians and ensure access to care during this public health emergency.

Oregon health officials and hospitals announced a joint statewide action plan to dramatically bolster the state's ability to treat people with COVID-19 illness who need care. To aid in achieving that goal, the Board of Naturopathic Medicine is waiving restoration fees and continuing education requirements for people holding an inactive license in Oregon who wish to obtain an active license for the duration of the State of Emergency.

If you wish to reactivate your license, please fill out the SOE Reactivation Form and email it to the Board.

As always, please let us know if you have any further questions.

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland OR 97232
971/673-0193 main
971/673-0226 (fax)
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Email sent 3/27/2020:
The Governor is encouraging medical and other private sector professionals across Oregon to donate new PPE such as masks, gowns, and gloves to the state cache.

Click here for a list of requested items and donation drop off locations.

As a reminder, Executive Orders 20-10 & 20-12 do not restrict elective and non-urgent procedures that do not use PPE. The EOs and OHA guidelines do encourage practitioners to use telemedicine whenever possible, apply social distancing guidelines, screen patients prior to treatment, engage in self-screening (e.g., don't come in if you feel sick) and follow applicable infection control guidelines and laws.

Please see OHA guidance on elective / non-urgent procedures

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Email sent 3/27/2020:
Again, I hope this email finds you as well as can be expected during this uncertain time. As I noted in my message earlier this week, the Board is fielding multiple inquiries from licensees regarding how to handle their practice in light of the rapidly changing situation. Many of you have also contacted our office with specific concerns regarding how your colleagues are messaging and advertising during this pandemic. As it should come as no surprise to you, this concern is not limited to Oregon, but is being heard by regulatory agencies across the country.

On / about March 24, 2020, I sent to all Oregon Licensees a “Template Language Guidelines for Naturopathic Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic" created by the Federation of Naturopathic Regulatory Authorities https://fnmra.org/.

FNMRA is reputable organization, a trusted resource and their information and insight is valuable to all licensees. The function of FNMRA, established in 2011, is to facilitate communication between regulatory authorities, share best practices, and support licensure.

Since this crisis began, licensees have repeatedly asked for guidance and support, which is exactly why this document was distributed, in the same manner I have shared messages from the Governor, Oregon Health Authority, CDC and other state regulatory agencies. https://www.oregon.gov/obnm/Pages/COVID-19.aspx

TO BE CLEAR: Oregon Licensees are bound by Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules regarding advertising. The US Constitution also guarantees the right to freedom of speech. These are ONLY GUIDELINES, not regulations, statutes or administrative rules, and have NO disciplinary authority. This same document was sent to regulatory agencies across the country, for the sole purpose of equipping and supporting ND's with best practices in communicating with peers, patients and the public during this pandemic. This document was developed by and in conjunction with the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Institute for Natural Medicine along with input from the World Naturopathic Federation.

I understand that there may be some confusion regarding the intent of message or affect these guidelines have on the profession. I urge you to contact me directly with any comments, questions or concerns.

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.

In Health;

Mary-Beth Baptista – Executive Director
Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 407
Portland OR 97232
971/673-0193 main
971/673-0226 (fax)

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Email sent 3/25/2020:
Direct link to rule
Hello All

As you are aware, the Governor has declared a state of emergency due to the coronavirus. The State has developed a streamlined process to request suspension of administrative rules and / or file a emergency temporary rule during the state of emergency. The Board of Pharmacy has filed an emergency rule limiting prescriptions for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine during the state of emergency.

Please read the attached draft rule filing and below message from the Board of Pharmacy. If you have questions regarding this rule, please contact the Board of Pharmacy directly.

FORWARD from ED Joseph Schnable:

This morning the Board of Pharmacy filed a temporary emergency rule that prohibits the dispensing of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for presumptive treatment or prevention of COVID-19 infection to preserve supplies for treatment of malaria, inflammatory conditions, and documented COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients.

855-007-0085
Prescriptions for Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

(1) Prescription drug orders for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine may only be dispensed if:

(a) The prescription is a continuation of therapy begun prior to March 8, 2020; or

(b) The prescriber has provided a diagnosis code based on clinical findings for which the medication is medically indicated; or

(2) Dispensing prescriptions for chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine other than as outlined in this rule is prohibited.

(3) This temporary rule is in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency or until rescinded.
HCQ Rule Information FAQ

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Email sent 3/24/2020:
As I am sure you are all aware, on March 19, 2020, Governor Brown issued Executive Order No. 20-10 which cancels, effective March 23, 2020, all elective and non-urgent healthcare procedures that require personal protective equipment (PPE). On March 23, 2020, Governor Brown issued Executive Order 20-12, directing everyone in Oregon to stay at home to the maximum extent possible and adding to the list of businesses that will be temporarily closed to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon. OHA issued the following guidelines to aide you in implementing the Order in your practice. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2284.pdf

The order is effective immediately, and remains in effect until ended by the Governor.

The Board has heard from many of you asking us for guidance on how to navigate these orders. Simply put, you want to know, what do these orders mean for you and your practice? I appreciate your patience as we attempt to respond to your individual inquiries, in the meantime, as of March 24, 2020, here are some answers / guidance:

1) The Board and I can only advise licensees and the public on the application of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules. We cannot provide you legal advice, or advise on insurance matters.

2) The Governor's Office is 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 Orders carefully.

3) Naturopathic clinics and medical offices are considered within the health care and medical exemption of businesses allowed to operate within closed indoor and outdoor malls.

4) Licensees must abide by the restrictions and guidelines indicated by this and other Executive Orders and those from the Oregon Health Authority.

5) Licensed Naturopathic Physicians are permitted to engage in Telemedicine in the State of Oregon. Please see the Telemedicine Guidelines posted on our website.

6) Naturopathic Physicians licensed in the State of Oregon do not have to establish care through an in-person appointment prior to engaging in telemedicine. Oregon licensees may engage in telemedicine with a new patient that they have not previously seen in person.

7) Oregon licensees may only treat patients who are physically in the State of Oregon at the time of treatment through telemedicine. Oregon statutes and rules only regulate the practice of naturopathic medicine in the State of Oregon.

8) If you want to treat a patient not physically located in Oregon, you must comply with the regulations in the state your patient is physically located at the time of treatment.

9) The same standard of care and charting requirements apply when engaging in telemedicine. Please see the Boards charting guidelines.

10) During a state of emergency, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine allows naturopathic physicians licensed in another state to provide medical care in Oregon under special provisions. Out-of-state licenses who wish to provide care in Oregon during this time must complete this authorization application. See OAR 850-030-0055 for more information.

Per Governor Kate Brown's Executive Order 20-12, the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine is closed to the public. Board staff will primarily work remotely for the duration of the order, therefore, email is the most efficient mode of communication at this time. We appreciate your patience.
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Email sent 3/20/2020:
Oregon.gov: NewsDetail