COVID-19 and Telehealth Information from NASW-ME

Safety Considerations

We suggest that all providers follow the guidelines from the CDC as well as directives and guidelines from state and local governments as information is being updated sometimes daily. Following the CDC and state guidelines to the best of your ability will ensure you and your client’s safety.

There are many other resources for providers on the NASW Coronavirus webpage as well as helpful ethical considerations.

Malpractice Insurance

Review your own professional insurance policy on malpractice and review the information around telehealth and where it is provided.

Review the NASW Assurance Services bulletin issued on March 17, 2020. This is a reminder to policyholder that the RRG professional liability policy provides coverage for teletherapy as long as it is an accepted practice conducted according to the individual practitioner’s state regulations, state licensing board requirements, and HIPPA privacy standards which vary by state and are continually evolving. 

HIPAA

On March 17, 2020, HHS issued information announcing to “waive potential penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients through everyday communications technologies during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.”

We advise caution with this, and to utilize HIPAA-compliant platforms if at all possible or consult your liability insurance company.

Typically, you need to choose a HIPAA-compliant platform. Some are free, and some involve a cost, especially for full HIPAA compliance.

You may need to sign up with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for true HIPAA compliance. Read the platform policies carefully.

Available Platforms

Some available platforms are listed below. None are endorsed by NASW. The first two listed have been recommended by a number of NASW members.

• doxy.me
• www.vsee.com
• www.simplepractice.com/telehealth
• www.vidyo.com
• www.polycom.com
• https://zoom.us/healthcare
• www.securevideo.com
• https://oncallhealth.us/
• https://www.wecounsel.com/
• https://www.thera-link.com/

Informed Consent

Some insurers may require a signed telehealth informed consent form. This is good practice regardless of requirements of the insurers you work with. NASW created a Telemental Health Informed Consent form that you can use.

DHHS

Temporary OFI Policy and Program changes due to COVID 19

Division of Disease Surveillance

Maine Information

Housing: Note from Maine Equal Justice

In a press conference April 9, Governor Mills voiced her opposition to evictions. "It's not the right time for any landlord to be evicting anybody. ANYBODY." We agree. Mainers also need assistance to meet their housing costs in order to make it through this public health emergency and economic downturn. Now is an important time to contact the Governor again and make sure her policy on housing reflects the needs we are hearing about from Mainers with low income.

Call Governor Mills TODAY at: 207-287-3531(ask to leave a message if voicemail is full)

Thank her for making housing a priority at this time. Ask her to include the following in any action she takes: No evictions, No New Debt, Emergency Rental Assistance, Retroactive Support. And House Everyone.

For updates on MaineCare, Housing and Evictions, General Assistance, Food Assistance and more, visit Maine Equal Justice's website.

United States Interagency Council on Homelessness

You can find community planning, webinars, and helpful site-specific emergency operations information here gathered from the CDC, HUD, National Health Care for the Homeless Council and more for service providers.

Food Insecurity

Good Shepherd Food Bank of ME food map

Mental Health Resources for clinicians and clients

Maine Front Line Warm Line is providing information and a referral helpline with resources for clinicians, child & family resources, emergency medical personnel/critical incident stress management, hot and warm lines, law enforcement help, trainings, and much more!

NAMI Maine
NAMI Maine is our state’s and the nation's largest grassroots support, education and advocacy organization committed to the issue of mental illness. With seven affiliates and hundreds of members, NAMI Maine is an active voice for families, individuals and professionals whose daily lives are impacted by mental illness.

Aging Population

AARP Maine has resources on their homepage for information on safety and protection in nursing homes as well as FREE live Q&A’s that can be accessed toll free or listened to regarding maintaining well-being.

Healthy Aging, Southern Maine Agency on Aging has updated information and their current eligibility requirements for Meals on Wheels due to COVID-19. 

Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health

SAMHSA has an updated webpage with information on emergency grants, considerations for care in treatment settings, use of telemedicine for MAT, and other important guidance.

Virtual Recovery Resources
SAMHSA has provided an in-depth document with information on all recovery virtual programs.

Nurturing Relationships Online