COVID-19 and ARAPA

COVID-19 has affected many our individual communities as well as changed our healthcare settings.  With that in mind, we want to discuss with you telemedicine protocols with the Arkansas State Medical Board, assistance for your patients and review the most recent CDC guidelines.

1. With rise of number of cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas, many clinics are having cancellations in both the surgical and clinical settings.  Many providers are moving toward use of telemedicine to provide triage and care to patients at this time.

In discussion with the Arkansas State Medical Board employees, providers are reminded that they will need to update their protocol within 10 days if they have any change to protocol in accordance with A.C.A 17-105-111.  Telemedicine is on example protocol provided online and all providers are reminded that they will need to practice as stated in regulations of A.C.A. 17-80-401 and 17-80-407 (can find regulations at https://www.armedicalboard.org/Professionals/pdf/mpa.pdf)  If adding the telemedicine clause to your current protocol, please initial the changes by you and your Supervising Physician as well as have them sign and date the protocol.  Then email the scanned pdf document to support@armedicalboard.org or mail in to Arkansas State Medical Board.  Please review the rules and regulations of telemedicine of 2.8, regulation 38 as well as PA regulation 24 which will apply to telemedicine and establish a patient-provider relationship.

2.  UAMS HealthNow is available for free screenings for all Arkansans.  To access UAMS HealthNow, go to UAMShealth.com/healthnow and click on “Start Your Visit Now.”  This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to patients of all ages across the state of Arkansas and can be accessed from a smart phone, tablet, laptop or computer with video capabilities.  Also, UAMS has setup a coronavirus hotline for people who have questions or feel they may have symptoms (1-800-632-4502).  Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-803-7847 during regular business hours.  In addition, a drive-up triage station is now located at corner of Jack Stephens and Sheffield Drive open to the public.

3. CDC recently posted guidelines for providers who work within healthcare settings:

-Communicate about COVID-19 with your staff and potential for surge as well as preparedness plans

-Communicate about COVID-19 with your patients (provide updates as well as providing non-urgent care via telephone or telemedicine

-Screen your patients and visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing) before entering your healthcare facility

• Ensure proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) and conduct an inventory of available PPE
• Encourage sick employees to stay home
• Separate patients with respiratory symptoms so they are not waiting among other patients seeking care