We are pleased to share this helpful resource from MOTA’s lobbyists. To help navigate the information stream coming from all levels of government and the private sector in response to COVID-19, Public Policy Partners has collected and shared information and resources that may benefit practitioners and Marylanders. Please see these comprehensive resources and the occupational therapy specific information below.
- Telehealth
- All healthcare professionals can use synchronous or asynchronous tele-therapy technology for NEW and EXISTING patients under specific regulations
- The practitioner is licensed in Maryland
- The practitioner is working under a facility that was authorized through the Governor’s Executive Order
- Medicaid Reimbursement: covers broad telecommunication including audio only phone calls
- Patients are allowed to be located in their homes
- Somatic care may be completed through telephone services
- IEP Services are reimbursable for tele-therapy
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is now reimbursable for any somatic patient whose condition requires monitoring through RPM
- Private Insurance – State Regulated Plans:
- Insurers must reimburse for telehealth services at the same rate as in-person services
- Telehealth DOES NOT include audio-only or telephone-only calls
- Medicare: Now expanded to include patients in their homes
- Telehealth Visit: NOT allowed for Occupational Therapists!!!
- E-Visits: synchronous or asynchronous communications for established patients only and covers occupational therapy
- All healthcare professionals can use synchronous or asynchronous tele-therapy technology for NEW and EXISTING patients under specific regulations
- Licensure
- Out of State Practitioners:
- A practitioner who holds a license from a state other than Maryland is allowed to practice (in-person and telehealth) as long as they are working for a hospital or related institution approved by the Secretary
- Inactive Licenses:
- Allows health facilities (as defined in the Executive Order) to employ health professionals with inactive state licenses
- Scope of Practice:
- The Executive Order allows health professionals to practice outside of their scope of practice as long as it can be done safely in a facility
- Out of State Practitioners:
- Health Insurance
- The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is open until June 15, 2020 for currently uninsured or newly uninsured Maryland residents
Updated By: Alysse Zaffos, Robyn Elliott, Rachael Faulkner, and Sonia Lawson on 4/13/2020