APTA-Mississippi has been working to understand and communicate updated state and national policies related to COVID-19 to members. Practices are struggling to treat patients safely and effectively, and we desire to assist with providing the latest resources and understanding. Please view the following. We will update this page as new resources are made available.
Resources
View a map of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi
ASHE-COVID19 Recovery Checklists
Guidelines and Conditions for HHS Healthcare Payments
FAQ on HHS Healthcare Payment Forgiveness
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Department of Labor revises regulations that implemented the FFCRA paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions – DOL has amended the definition of health care provider for purposes of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act emergency paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions; DOL adopted a revised definition of health care provider for purposes of the employer’s optional exclusion of employees who are health care providers from FFCRA leave. PTs and PTAs were considered health care providers under the previous DOL regulations on FFCRA (issued April 1, 2020). Under the newly revised DOL regulation, PTs and PTAs employed to provide health care services fall under the definition of health care provider whose employers may elect to exclude from taking expanded paid leave or emergency sick leave under the FFCRA. Learn more.
Transferring Patients to Relief Healthcare Facilities – The CDC released a guidance for state and local emergency medical planners and all healthcare facilities, especially facilities in rural areas. This guidance outlines considerations around the transfer of patients, staff, and supplies between healthcare facilities to optimize patient care, balance resources, and to minimize use of crisis care standards.
Safer at Home Proclamation – This updated proclamation from Governor Tate Reeves outlines the expanded opportunities for providers to provide non-essential services from April 27 – May 11, 2020.
CDC Guidelines for Re-Opening America – This resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline the guidelines needed and necessary to ensure a safe and effective ‘re-opening’ of the nation after the COVID-19 shutdown.
APTA COVID-19 Education – APTA is offering two courses to educate PTs and PTAs on COVID-19 conditions, best practices, and methods for treating patients amid the pandemic.
Mississippi Board of Physical Therapy Proclamation – This proclamation by the Mississippi Board of Physical Therapy describes expanded opportunities for PTs and PTAs to utilize telehealth during Mississippi’s COVID-19 State of Emergency.
Mississippi PT Waiver Application – This application is for out-of-state PTs desiring to practice in Mississippi during the State of Emergency.
Mississippi PTA Waiver Application – This application is for out-of-state PTAs desiring to practice in Mississippi during the State of Emergency.
Mississippi Physical Therapy Practice Act Specific to Telehealth – This link will take you directly to state code that describes the physical therapy practice act in Rule 3.2, describing availability and policies governing the use of telehealth.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Policies with Q/A – This resource describes expanded policies for utilization of telehealth for physical therapy services, along with billing codes for proper documentation.
UnitedHealthcare Coverage during COVID-19 – This resource describes expanded policies of utilization of telehealth for physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Cigna Coverage during COVID-19 – This resource describes expanded policies of utilization of telehealth for therapy services.
Mississippi Division of Medicaid – The Mississippi Division of Medicaid has recently updated its policies respective to distance/originating sites for telehealth and requirements for specific patient encounters, as well as new billing codes available.
APTA Resources – The American Physical Therapy Association publishes new guidance and suggestions daily on how PTs and PTAs can operate safely and effectively through the COVID-19 outbreak.
Asking the “Right” Questions about Telehealth – This resource from APTA provides dialogue about the proper uses of telehealth and whether it is right for you.
COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program – This resource on the Small Business Administration website shared information regarding the recently passed stimulus bill and the requirements for business owners and medical providers to access the loans, including conditions required for a waiver of repayment.
APTA Statement on Patient Care and Practice Management During COVID-19 Outbreak – This statement from the American Physical Therapy Association describes the safe environments desired for treatment of patients as well as the encouragement for utilization of telehealth.
COVID-19 Testing Sites – The Mississippi State Department of Health has posted a list of testing sites on this site. Any patients suffering from high fever, respiratory congestion, or other COVID-19 symptoms should consider visiting one of these sites or his/her primary care provider for testing.
CDC Infection Control Guidance – This updated guidance from the CDC provides updated PPE recommendations for the care of patients with known or suspected COVID-19.
Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities – Questions and answers on providing services to children with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Student loan interest/payments information – This link takes you to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education regarding a new 0% interest rate set for all federally held student loans for a period of 60 days, in addition to other payment flexibilities.
SBA Paycheck Protection Program – This program is issued through the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and is available to employers to encourage continued employment through the COVID-19 outbreak.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Program – This program is issued through the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and is available to employers and independent organizations to make-up for anticipated financial losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
APTA Issues Member Renewal Extension – Recognizing that COVID-19 is having a negative economic impact on many of our members and their families, APTA’s Board of Directors approved a temporary relief plan, initially to run through June, allowing members to delay their renewal date by up to 90 days while still retaining active member status. Due to the temporary nature of this plan, APTA is only notifying members with a February – June renewal date. If your renewal date falls within that timeframe, you will have up to 90 days to renew your membership without penalty.
APTA-Mississippi 