AzAFP E-News- May 5, 2020
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AZ Government Relations Update:
Peters, Cannata & Moody plc
Air Force One landing today at Phoenix Sky Harbor
In an online forum hosted by
The Arizona Capitol Times
this morning, legislative leaders confirmed there is still no plan for when – and how – to reconvene the 2020 legislative session. Republicans remain divided about whether the legislature should just end the session or should consider more bills, and legislators of both parties have diverging ideas about what topics the legislature should consider before it adjourns for the year. There’s no timeline for when a decision will be made on how to proceed. Though Arizona’s stay-at-home order is likely to expire on May 15, legislative leaders noted that the state will still be under a declared public health emergency and it’s not clear when they think it will be safe for legislators to return to the Capitol – and give the public access to the legislative proceedings.
Yesterday, Governor Ducey issued a
new executive order
to provide additional guidance on the timeline for Arizona businesses to re-open. On Friday, salons and barbers can begin operations if they can do so with best practices in place – including face coverings and appointment-only services. Next Monday, all Arizona dine-in restaurants may resume operations under new physical distancing policies.
Retail stores that sell non-essential goods were authorized to open curbside service today; those stores can begin operating in-person sales under
physical distancing guidelines
on Friday. The state is working with the fitness industry to map out a plan for re-opening gyms and exercise equipment in hotels, motels, and apartments across Arizona.
Governor Ducey repeatedly stated that public health data would guide all future decisions about re-opening more areas of the economy. The “
testing blitz
” tested approximately 6,500 Arizonans this weekend, and the Arizona Department of Health Services plans to implement additional testing over the next two weekends.
The state is also increasing testing at nursing homes, residential care institutions, intermediate care facilities with individuals with intellectual disabilities, and developmental disability medical group home settings. A
new executive order
requires these facilities to increase reporting to residents and their next of kin or guardians about the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19. The facilities must also provide COVID-19 information to potential residents and their guardians.
The Governor believes the downward trajectory in COVID-19 and influenza cases and positive tests, along with the expanded capacity to treat and test patients, are evidence that it is safe to begin re-opening more sections of the state’s economy. The state will implement enhanced
contact tracing
to continue to help slow the spread of disease.
The “stay home, stay healthy, stay connected” order remains in place until May 15th, when the Governor expects it to expire. Legislative Republicans continue to use social media to express their
frustration
that the order is not being lifted earlier, however, and to push for legislation that would immediately end the state of emergency that authorizes the Governor to implement the order.
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Thursday, May 14 - Saturday, May 16
Save up to $120 when you register
by May 9.
For the first time ever, family medicine physicians can livestream a course designed specifically for the needs of doctors working in rural communities.
Its unique format lets you choose to attend the full course or choose from six half-day sessions that work best with your schedule. Earn 3 AAFP Prescribed live credits for each session from your home or office.
- Ask faculty questions in real time just as if you were in the same room.
- “Chat” with other online attendees with this user-friendly experience.
- Forge peer connections for ongoing practice improvement and support.
BONUS:
All attendees will receive online access to a special rural health COVID-19 session with updates on the pandemic. View at any time after May 14.
With worry-free registration, you can cancel at any time, for any reason, up to May 13 and receive a full refund.
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CMS Issues New Frequently Asked Questions on EMTALA, Updates on RHC and FQHC Flexibilities
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) clarifying requirements and considerations for hospitals and other providers related to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FAQs address questions around patient presentation to the emergency department, EMTALA applicability across facility types, qualified medical professionals, medical screening exams, patient transfer and stabilization, telehealth, and other topics.
The
FAQs
related to EMTALA during the COVID-19 public health emergency are now available. CMS also issued a revised article on new and expanded flexibilities available to rural health clinics (RHCs) and federally qualified health clinics (FQHCs) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Among the updates, CMS is updating the list of Medicare telehealth services to include, effective March 1, 2020, CPT codes 99441, 99442, and 99443, which are audio-only telephone evaluation and management (E/M) services. RHCs and FQHCs can furnish and bill for these services using HCPCS code G2025.
The revised MLN article on new and expanded flexibilities available to RHCs and FQHCs during the COVID-19 public health emergency is available
here
.
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