SOMB
Teletherapy Variance Extension
July 21, 2020
Dear SOMB Approved Providers:
The Division of Criminal Justice, Office of Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Management (ODVSOM) has been monitoring the COVID-19 virus and assessing the situation along with its anticipated impact.
In light of these events,
we want to provide you with resources and guidance that can help keep victims, clients, Providers, and other stakeholders as safe as possible.
NEW INFORMATION: Providers that have submitted a Teletherapy or E-Therapy Variance and have received an approval letter from the SOMB staff have approval to continue conducting treatment and evaluation services under the variance and adjustment period until
October 31, 2020.
There is no need to submit any additional paperwork as this extension is automatic.
While the goal of the adjustment period is to transition back to face-to-face services, the SOMB understands this may not be possible for all providers or clients. As we monitor the situation, the SOMB may grant another extension of the Teletherapy or E-Therapy Variance prior to October 31, 2020. While the SOMB may choose not to grant a subsequent extension of the variance, Providers will have the option of individually requesting an extension to continue providing Teletherapy or E-Therapy services beyond October 31, 2020.
Please note, these dates are subject to change based on the ever-changing situation regarding the COVID-19 virus and recommended precautions in the interest of public health and safety.
Discretionary Period: The SOMB granted a discretionary period to allow Approved Providers the flexibility to make adjustments for client services that deviate from the Standards and Guidelines. These adjustments may include but are not limited to allowing a client to do individual sessions, allowing for additional absences, or cancelling group sessions to limit transmission of the virus.
As of
July 1, 2020
, this discretionary period granting additional flexibility to Providers ended, with the exception of the use of Teletherapy or E-therapy which will now continue through October 31, 2020. Providers should have a plan in place to fully return to providing treatment and evaluations services per the Standards and Guidelines including transitioning back to face-to-face therapy.
Additional Guidance Regarding Legal Matters
The SOMB is not authorized to speak on any legal matters pertaining to the presiding court or Parole Board for which are affected by COVID-19. Questions involving the requirements or modifications for a court order, a parole agreement, or protection orders should be directed through the appropriate legal channels.
State and Federal COVID-19 Resources
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is leading the state response to COVID-19. The CDPHE website (
colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus
) has the most up-to-date information on state efforts to contain and treat the virus. You can also find national updates about the novel coronavirus from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
.
CDPHE Hotline
CDPHE has set up a hotline for general COVID-19 questions that is available in many languages:
· Call 303.389.1687 or 1.877.462.2911
CDPHE and the CDC are the best resources for COVID-19 information. Please consult these organizations for all medical questions.
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions.
We will continue to update you with new information and additional procedures and resources. We appreciate your efforts in keeping Coloradans safe and healthy.
As you review this updated information and questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact a Standards Coordinator via email or telephone.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Erin Austin Raechel Alderete
Adult Standards Coordinator Juvenile Standards Coordinator
303-239-4499 303-239-4197
