Notice to Members
March 25, 2020, 6 p.m.
Dear Colleagues,
Here is today’s update:
- The ACAC recommendation to limit care to emergent patients only, remains in place. As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, this recommendation remains in place to support Public Health advice to Albertans to limit going out in public. It is essential for both public safety and public trust that all chiropractors limit care to emergent patients only.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation and its direction can change quickly. The ACAC is monitoring Public Health advice daily and will update members as appropriate.
- A path forward to return to practise is being developed. Epidemiologists and Public Health officials have indicated that the COVID-19 virus will be present for some time, if not necessarily in pandemic form. As such, all health-care workers, including chiropractors and their staff, will need to adjust to be able to provide care in this environment. The ACAC, with guidance from the Continuing Competence Committee, other chiropractic regulators and Public Health, is already working on developing a practise framework that will guide practise in this new environment. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
- The ACAC is advocating for rent freezing within Alberta. Chiropractors, like many independent small business owners, are often lease holders for their business space. While rent deferral may help in the immediate term, it can create an even bigger barrier to businesses when the opportunity to reopen arises and rent is suddenly due. The ACAC has formally requested that rent freezing be incorporated into Alberta’s Economic Support Plan.
- CCA update regarding federal Emergency Response Benefit. Today the CCA sent an update regarding the federal Emergency Response Benefit. The Emergency Response Benefit combines the Emergency Care and Emergency Support Benefits announced last week and will provide $2,000 a month for four months to Canadians who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
This benefit should be available by April 6. We strongly encourage all members who have been impacted by the pandemic to create a CRA account as soon as possible to ensure timely access to the program.
The CCA has created a National Resource Centre and will continue to keep you posted on any other developments.
- Media coverage of COVID-19 impact on health-care providers. The Edmonton Journal featured a story on the impact of COVID-19 on providers’ ability to care for patients, titled "Health-care providers grapple with finances and patient care as COVID-19 empties offices." Thank you to Drs. Kelly Fleck and Troy Fix for participating in the story.
This story originated through a chiropractor informing their patient, reporter Liane Fulder, about the need to limit care to emergent patients only. We extend our appreciation to our colleague for connecting the reporter with the ACAC (though they will remain anonymous due to patient confidentiality). We hope it is a great encouragement to all of you to know that what you are experiencing is being noticed.
These remain uncertain times for all of us. Please continue to take the very best care of yourselves and loved ones.
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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