COVID-19 Updates
As your state association, TCA believes it is our duty to keep you informed during the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. We are doing everything we can to provide you with tools you can use to be the preferred health care resource your patients and community need.
We encourage you the check out the list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), stay tuned for regular alerts, read the Texas Chiropractic eSource newsletter and check out TCA’s social media channels for the latest information.
Wishing you, your family, staff and patients good health!
TCA Executive Committee
TBCE COVID-19 Update for Chiropractors, April 29, 2020
After additional communications with the governor's office, the Board is pleased to release this updated guidance concerning the provision of wellness care by our licensees to the public.
Licensees will be permitted to provide wellness care to patients as of May 1, 2020, with the understanding that they should continue to adhere to safety and prevention best practices specified in the most current advice from the Centers for Disease Control. The entire release can be read here.
TOP LINKS
Bookmark the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners (TBCE) website and visit it frequently for the latest updates and guidance regarding the practice of chiropractic during the COVID-19 crisis.
Review the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) COVID-19 Resource page.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published general resources relating to COVID-19, as well as information for health professionals and mitigation strategies for communities. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has a wealth of resources, too.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has helpful resources on the ACA website.
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has helpful information at its web site.
In addition, you will find valuable COVID-19 resources from various TCA partners. Check out NCMIC’s website and ChiroHealth USA’s website for articles, webinars, etc.
FINANCIAL/TAX
Check out the US Chamber of Commerce’s resources, including the Guide to the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, the Guide Employee Retention Tax Credit for COVID-19 Impacted Employers and the Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist.
Apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster loan at https://covid19relief.sba.gov/. Review these Frequently Asked Questions for helpful information.
Newsday explains why you may want to apply for a federal disaster loan now, even if you don’t think you need it.
The federal income tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15. Learn more by visiting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Frequently Asked Questions page.
LEGAL
The State Bar of Texas has published a comprehensive list of “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders issued across the state. Visit their website to determine whether your city/county is subject to a shelter-in-place order and review your local rules.
HUMAN RESOURCES
All employers are required by law to post this U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) notice for their employees. It informs employees of their rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The DOL has a “Questions and Answers” page that may assist doctors in understanding their legal obligations under FFCRA.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has a summary of the legislation’s requirements.
Texas Lawyer has posted a helpful article explaining the FFCRA at its web site.
Mintz (a law firm) published an article entitled Answers to Lingering FAQs Regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides helpful guidance for employers seeking to understand these new employment laws.
Certain health care providers, including chiropractors, may be excluded from the emergency family leave and emergency paid sick leave in the FFCRA. Dorsey & Whitney LLP has published a thorough explanation of this exemption.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for exemption from the requirement to provide leave due to school closings or childcare unavailability if the leave requirements would jeopardize the viability of the business as a going concern. As Holland & Knight explains, employers wishing to seek the exemption should document why their business meets such criteria.
WEBINAR REPLAYS*
- Protecting Your Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic Click here to watch the replay.
- Telehealth 101: Strategies for Providing Care when Hands-on Treatment is not an Option. Click here to access the replay and related documents.
- HIPAA Essentials Click here to access the replay and related documents.
*NOTE: Replays are not eligible for CE credits and are for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: The Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA) is a professional association advocating for the rights of chiropractors and their patients across the state of Texas. We are NOT a state agency or regulatory body. We are merely informing our membership regarding what they are allowed to do during this challenging and confusing time.
The information TCA provides during this pandemic is derived in conjunction with our governmental relations and legal experts, developed after examination of all official releases of information from the state of Texas and other state government departments and agencies. Please refer to our emails, website and social medial channels for the latest updates.
Rest assured that TCA will continue to advocate for the profession at the highest levels, with the health and well-being of you and your patients, as well as the overall stability of the health care system, foremost in our efforts.