Trust Risk Management Services, Inc.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted all of us. This includes Audiologists and their offices. There are significant differences in how each practice may be operating depending on the location. Most states have implemented emergency orders, such as stay-at-home orders, whereas some have not. Some states have implemented orders allowing only businesses deemed essential to be open, and the definition of “essential” may vary widely depending on the state. There is a state-by-state compilation of emergency orders which can be accessed online and may be of use as you navigate through these rapidly evolving regulations.

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our lives far beyond how we could have ever imagined.  Many people are under stay at home orders.  People who are not safe within their home may be at an increased risk.  Individuals who experience domestic violence, children, elders, or disabled persons who experience abuse, may be confined within the home much more so than previously.  Some of these individuals may live with an abuser.  Individuals who have substance use issues are also at increased risk of use or relapse due to environmental factors.  Add to this, financial stress and/or lack of food, isolation, and limited in-person resources due to programs being closed in the wake of social distancing rules...  

Most of us are under stay at home orders and video-teleconferencing (VTC) platforms have surged. Services such as Zoom, among others, are being used for people to connect socially when they cannot in person.  These VTC platforms are also being used by Allied Healthcare Professionals as they need to adapt and engage in alternative types of practice, such as telehealth...  

In our prior Blog entry: “Your Changing Practice – Telehealth During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis,” we noted many considerations and resources to assist you during this time.  Many of you, or your organizations, have not previously engaged in telehealth.  We created two sample consent forms to be used for patients...

We have seen significant changes in how healthcare is provided to patients including telehealth, telebehavioral health, and telepsychology services.  This has come to the forefront more than ever due to the coronavirus.  Allied Healthcare Professionals who previously would not have used telehealth services now have a need to do so.  These services are being implemented rapidly and emergently so patients will still have the treatment they need during this time of crisis.  Regulations are changing minute-by-minute, and it is important to know applicable federal and state regulations...