MedChi Update

May 7, 2020

Register here for the Maryland Department of Health all-physician call on Friday, May 8^th at 12:00pm.

Safe Resumption of Non-Emergent Care

Yesterday, MedChi shared a special alert on Governor Larry Hogan's announcement that non-emergent care can resume. We want to make sure you are aware of these key provisions in the Secretary of Health's new order:

Healthcare facilities are required to self-certify that all criteria for safe reopening have been met by emailing a statement of attestation to secretary.health@maryland.gov and posting the self-certification prominently in the facility. We created a model self-certification document that you might find helpful.

A portal has been created by the state for patients and other to submit complaints if healthcare facilities are not taking appropriate measures.

The liability immunity that was extended to COVID-related care in Pub. Safety Art. § 14- 3A-06 or Health Gen. Art. § 18-907 will not apply to non-COVID-related procedures or appointments. MedChi will seek more clarification on this and share any information that we receive.

The new directive requires that facilities have adequate supplies of PPE, continued social distancing and enhanced sanitation measures, and routine COVID-19 symptom screening. While these measures are critical, we want to share two great resources to help you implement an even more comprehensive array of safety measures. MedChi would urge you to consider implementing these measures to help protect you from complaints or liability risk.

Re-Opening Checklist

Roadmap for Resuming Elective Care

Even with the resumption of non-emergent care, telehealth should continue to be utilized to every extent possible. MedChi has a wealth of telehealth resources, including newly-updated guidelines on telehealth billing and coding.

Visit our COVID-19 resource center

Reach out to our physician health program

MedChi is your advocate and your resource, and we are here for anything you need. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for all that you do as physicians, healers, and heroes.

Sincerely,

Chip O’Neil
Advocacy Coordinator
MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society
1211 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Office: 410-539-0872 ext. 6001
Fax: 410-547-0915
www.medchi.org | coneil@medchi.org