Notice to Members
March 19, 4 p.m.
Dear Colleagues,
We start this message by reiterating Dr. Kane’s recent message regarding closure of clinics. While chiropractors are able to remain open by following infection prevention protocols, actively pre-screening patients before they arrive and incorporating social distancing measures in the clinic, chiropractors are not obligated to remain open. You absolutely have the right to choose not to practise during this time. If you choose to close your clinic temporarily, please ensure continuity of care provisions are in place for your patients. Please see the FAQs on the ACAC website for more details.
The ACAC supports any chiropractor who chooses to close their clinic during this time, and we apologize if this was not explicitly clear in previous communications.
Here is today’s update:
- Summary of financial supports from government: Details are starting to emerge on various elements of financial support being put forth by government. Here is an excellent summary of the plans announced to date from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Please note that this link goes to a pdf rather than a webpage, so you will be asked if you want to open the file.
- CRA MyAccount for Individuals required to access federal assistance programs: If you plan to apply for any of the federal assistance programs for individuals, ensure you have a CRA MyAccount in place now. All federal assistance will be managed through this portal, so it is essential this is in place. Find details on CRA MyAccount access here.
- Possible COVID-specific informed consent from British Columbia is categorically fraudulent: We have learned that there is possible circulation of a COVID-specific informed consent form in BC that indemnifies chiropractors should a patient claim they contracted COVID-19 during treatment. This is categorically fraudulent. If you see this form please discard it immediately. Ensure you are following the ACAC SP 3.1 on Informed Consent. The use of the CCPA informed consent form is highly recommended.
- Take care of your mental health: These are unprecedented times, and it is normal that your mental health may be impacted. It is essential that we all take care of our personal mental health and support that of our loved ones. AHS has an online resource, Help in Tough Times, that has information on various mental health supports. We encourage you to use it and share with others as appropriate.
- Great practice idea for pre-screening patients: Dr. Angela Regier Cubos of Back on Track Chiropractic in Stony Plain shared the following:
We have created an intake form on our EMR program called "COVID-19 Pre-treatment Screen” which asks all the necessary questions (ie. recent travel, feeling unwell, etc). The form is emailed to patients when they walk through the door* and they are asked to complete it on their own handheld device. It also contains a section that they sign saying the information they have submitted is truthful, and one that states they agree to engage in proper hygiene/handwashing before and after their treatment. When they submit it, it goes directly into their chart as an entry signed by them. So far we have received good feedback from patients that they appreciate our efforts to ensure we are not treating people who should otherwise be home.
*As pre-screening is recommended before patients arrive in the office, we recommend that this be amended and done in advance of patient arrival.
If you have examples of how you are adapting to ensure safe clinical practices that you would like to share with your colleagues, please email them to [email protected].
Not to be lost in the sea of news, today is the first day of spring. It is a welcome reminder that every hard season passes.
Be safe and be well.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Todd Halowski
Registrar
Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
11203 - 70 Street NW
Edmonton, AB, T5B 1T1
P 780.420.0932 | F 780.425.6583
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