NEW! Updated Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus
We have received inquiries from RPs seeking clarity on CRPO’s position regarding in- person practice.
 
CRPO continues to encourage registrants to use e-therapy where it will provide benefit to clients while minimizing the number of in-person contacts RPs must manage. Where in person care is deemed necessary, CRPO is aligned with direction from public health officials that regulated health professionals will prioritize clients with essential care needs while gradually resuming practice. We have updated our FAQs to reflect this.
 
UPDATED FAQ: Is CRPO saying I cannot see clients in person because of COVID-19?
No, CRPO continues to expect and support RPs to use their clinical judgement in deciding when it is appropriate to provide in-person therapy to clients.
 
For clients who will derive benefit from e-therapy, CRPO continues to recommend that RPs provide care virtually. Directive #2 for Health Care Providers from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) notes that health professionals are in the best position to determine which services should be in-person and that this decision-making should be guided by the principles of proportionality, minimizing harm to patients (clients), equity and reciprocity.
 
If therapy is to be in-person, registrants must ensure that needed infection control measures are in place, as per CMOH’s Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart. Practical guidance on implementing these measures is provided in Developing a Return to In-Person Practice Plan.
 
SEE MORE FAQs, including clarification about the use of non-medical masks or face coverings for in-person visits.
 
Screening Clients for Coronavirus
A recent CBC news story indicated that some health care providers and other essential workers are being denied health care services because their jobs put them at risk for COVID-19 exposure. One example used in the story is that of a hospital nurse who indicated on a screening form at the office of her health care provider that she had come into contact with people who had COVID-19. The nurse was then denied care by that provider as a result.
 
CRPO reminds registrants that, when screening clients for coronavirus, it is important to consider that those who are providing front line services and who may have come into contact with patients who have COVID-19 will have been required to take appropriate precautions against infection. Registrants are encouraged to review the requirements in the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart (May 26, 2020 or as current), including the hierarchy of hazard controls to determine how to safely see front line and essential workers who answer “yes” to the question of exposure.
 
COVID Alert
Health Canada released COVID Alert, a free notification app that alerts users to possible contact with or exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is intended to let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear.

The Ontario government is encouraging everyone to download the app since its effectiveness at stopping the spread of COVID-19 relies on as many people as possible using it.

Health Canada has confirmed that it does not track the user's information such as health information, location, or phone contacts.

RPs who work in health care settings such as hospitals or primary care clinics may wish to disable notifications while in the workplace in order to avoid receiving exposure notifications from people who are attending appointments in the facility.  
 
Consultation on Guidance for Return to In-Person Practice
At its August 20 meeting, Council will be hearing the feedback provided through the consultation on the Return to In-Person Practice Guidance. If you are interested in hearing this discussion, please register to attend the meeting via Zoom.