Dear ATOM Membership,

The executive board, along with our lobbying firm, has continued to work nonstop to make government entities aware of our skill set and to inform them of the many ways in which we can assist during the COVID-19 outbreak.

We scored a small victory in getting the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) to add “Athletic Trainer” to the health care provider list that is on the MA Responds volunteer application. This is the first time we have existed on the Health Professional list and we will remain on this list moving forward when crises arise, and medical volunteers are needed by the state. If you are able to provide assistance, please utilize the link above to submit a volunteer application.  At this time, we are unsure of exactly how the applications will be utilized, however we do know that DPH is looking to utilize all eligible volunteers, particularly those with a health background.

As we alluded to in our previous communication, we are continuing to seek a temporary lift on our workplace (team, school, organization) and patient population (athlete) restrictions in order to practice to the fullest extent of our education.  We were unsuccessful in getting added to a healthcare bill last week, however ATOM and TSG will continue to monitor the legislative landscape as it pertains to healthcare in the Commonwealth and will provide support whenever possible. 

The Board of Allied Health Professionals (BOAHP) met for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting.  A question regarding telehealth had been sent to the board by a “therapist”.  The board counsel stated that telehealth services are appropriate for allied health professionals when clinically indicated and appropriate.  No further context was provided other than the fact that the patient receiving telehealth services must be located in the state in which the provider is licensed.  For example, if you are solely licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the patient must be in Massachusetts at the time services are rendered.  Please note that the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act does not protect you should you choose to provided telehealth to a patient outside of the Commonwealth.

If anyone has been furloughed or laid-off from their position, know that the state and federal governments have already approved relaxation of some of the unemployment insurance benefits regulations. On Friday, the Federal government passed the CARES Act, which was signed into law by the President later that afternoon.  Information regarding state filing can be found in our previous COVID-19 E-blast.

Lastly, for MIAA member schools, it is our understanding that the MIAA is meeting today to discuss the future of the high school Spring sports schedule.

Be Well,

Brett Winston