QUARANTINE AND CHILL
NEW CBD-INFUSED BODY OIL AND PAIN PATCH HELP YOU STAY CALM + WELL

Canna Bath Co. announces new additions to its line of handmade, all-natural CBD-infused products that address stress, promote relaxation, and invest in TLC during these tough times — 
perfect for taking care of yourself at home!

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – (MARCH 26, 2020) Focused on helping customers feel well, take better care of themselves, and find new ways to cope with stressful times, Canna Bath Co. announces the release of new self-care and pain relief products, the CBD Infused Topical Patch and CBD Body Oil. The new patch and body oil join a full line of CBD-infused bath bomb, bath salts, and body lotions already available from Canna Bath Co.

With so many of us staying at home and using social media right now to connect with friends and family, Canna Bath Co. is playing along, offering great contests and giveaways to its Instagram audience every week.

“I know the feeling of isolation can be quite overwhelming,” says founder and CEO Jessica Bernardo. “When you couple stress with anxiety, the combination can really be impactful. I hate to think of anyone suffering alone. All of my products help to address stress, promote relaxation, and encourage you to invest in TLC — which it is so needed right now!”

The newest addition to the Canna Bath Co. family, the Topical Patch ($39.95) provides slow-release CBD applications for up to eight hours. Sold in packs of three, each patch contains 40mg of hemp-based CBD. These patches are an excellent alternative to pills, powders, tinctures, and other palliatives due to their ease of use, long shelf life, time-release delivery, and convenience. External pain patches also go directly to work, avoiding both the digestive tract and the liver, so that the body can heal with less effort. 

“I've never actually recommended a single marijuana product. 
But as a savvy patient who doctors himself as much as possible, 
I'm confident recommending Canna Bath's pain patches. . . .
The bottom line is: don't tolerate pain unless you're 
a masochist and want it. ‘No pain, no gain’ is bull.” 

—Jonah Raskin, “Drain the Pain,” North Bay Bohemian, March 18, 2020

Canna Bath Co.’s all natural CBD coconut body oil ($49.95) offers a lightweight non-greasy formula that can be used as an all over head-to-toe moisturizer and massage oil that’s ideal for broad coverage. As good for your nails as it is for your skin as it is for your hair, this CBD-infused body oil supports a sense of health and well-being so important right now.

Trained as a massage therapist, founder Jessica Bernardo, 34, has always had an interest in health and natural remedies. Making her own CBD-infused bath products with natural holistic ingredients that offer pain relief and produce glowing skin was a logical step.

Handmade with essential oils and therapeutic-grade CBD that has been third-party lab tested for quality and potency, Canna Bath Co. products are available at cannabathco.com, uncommongoods.com, and at select stores across the U.S.

Follow Canna Bath Co. on Instagram for a chance to be the first to learn of contests and giveaways as our community strives to come together, separately. https://www.instagram.com/cannabathco/ 

West Texas A&M Develops Antiviral Protection for Doors

Copper-based foil adhesive will be tested for effectiveness against COVID-19

CANYON, Texas — Biological warfare technology born at West Texas A&M University to protect soldiers from anthrax has been readapted and deployed across campus to protect door handles from viruses and bacteria.

Doors across West Texas A&M University soon will receive Copper Clean stickers over handles and push plates. The stickers — basically a highly engineered copper-alloy foil with an adhesive backing — are the newest product developed by Engineering Dean Emily Hunt and a group of ambitious graduate engineering students working to commercialize patents they have obtained for West Texas A&M University and The Texas A&M University System.

Along with standard infection control practices, these stickers will help alleviate the microbial burden on these high-touch surfaces across campus.

“The stickers are made with a copper-alloy that has been proven to kill 99.9 of harmful pathogens, like MSRA, Staph. auerus and E. coli within two hours,” Hunt said. Soon, they will be tested against other pathogens, including COVID-19.

See a video about Copper Clean adhesives here: http://www.youtube.com/user/tamusystem?sub_confirmation=1

“Sometimes a complex problem requires a common sense solution,” said John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System. “Dr. Hunt and her team deserve a lot of credit for doing their part to address the biggest problem facing the world today.”

Copper is one of the oldest known antimicrobials. Applying it to high-touch surfaces was a challenge Hunt and her materials science engineering students first took on in 2016.

“We recognized way back then that there are many surfaces in the world that our hands share with others,” Hunt said. “These areas, which we call ‘high-touch,’ are very susceptible to picking up, harboring and transferring microorganisms among people.”

Hunt, a Canyon native, began her research into antimicrobial materials in 2009 when she was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation to pursue her ideas to protect soldiers and civilians from biological weapons of mass destruction.

The Department of Defense adopted Hunt’s ideas for use in military gas masks. Then she and her team worked to convert the military technology into commercial and consumer applications.

They formed Buffalo Technology Group, a Texas limited partnership whose stakeholders include West Texas A&M University, The Texas A&M University System and Frontier Capital Group, a private equity firm. Buffalo Technology Group has successfully patented and sold several products already, including MIC-Guard, a ceramic-metallic powder used in various coatings, linings and molded products in several industrial applications to inhibit iron-eating microorganisms and biofouling.

Copper Clean stickers are made at an EPA-approved, American manufacturer, Hunt said. The first batch arrive just this week. West Texas A&M University will be the first customer, but Hunt said Buffalo Technology Group is already talking to school districts across the state who are interested.

“At a time when the whole world is more cognizant than they have ever been about the prevalence and danger of harmful microorganisms, my hope for these patches is that they are implemented in areas were large quantities of healthy, sick and immunocompromised individuals share high-touch surfaces,” Hunt said.

The stickers are for sale for $24.50 at https://coppercleanus.com/. Proceeds from their sales will go back into funding more research on campus.

About The Texas A&M University System
 

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation with a budget of $6.3 billion. The System is a statewide network of 11 universities; a comprehensive health science center; eight state agencies, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management; and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M System educates more than 151,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. System-wide, research and development expenditures exceeded $1 billion in FY 2019 and helped drive the state’s economy.

OMA Welcomes the Government's $3.3B Investment to Support Ontario's Health Care System and Fight COVID-19

TORONTO, March 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) welcomes the substantive investment of $3.3 billion in new health care funding, including $2.1 billion to help physicians and other frontline health-care workers combat COVID-19. The OMA believes these initiatives will make a significant positive impact on our ability to respond to this unprecedented event.

"Ontario's 31,500 doctors are working tirelessly in difficult and often dangerous circumstances to provide the best possible care for their patients," said OMA President Dr. Sohail Gandhi. "In addition to the specific measures announced today, we are particularly heartened to see the establishment of a $1 billion COVID-19 contingency fund and $75 million for personal protective equipment and other critical medical supplies. The OMA has been advocating strongly to ensure our doctors and all front-line workers have what they need to safely care for patients."

"In the meantime, every one of us can help stem the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Gandhi. "Stay home unless you have to go out. If you have to go out, keep a distance of at least two metres, or six feet, between you and other people. Please wash your hands thoroughly and often to prevent transferring the virus. And remember to stay in close contact with your friends and family. Physical distancing does not mean emotional distancing. We need each other's support now more than ever."

About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000 plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.  

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

Corona Crow: The virus is a racist

MARCH 25, 2020

Greg Palast

You hear from every pol and pundit: The coronavirus does not distinguish between Black and White, rich and poor, Republican or Democrat.

That’s just bullshit.

This virus is one highly partisan little bug.

And a racist. Call it “Corona Crow.”

The virus attacks “the vulnerable.” And in our society, “vulnerable” does not refer to billionaire reality show hosts. Check out this Center for Disease Control chart based on studies using the Public Health Disparities Geocoding Project. Influenza hospitalization rates for impoverished African-Americans are three times the rate compared to non-poor whites.

Above: Age-adjusted incidence of influenza-related hospitalizations per 100,000 person-years by racial/ethnic group and census tract poverty level.
FluSurv-NET, 14 states, 2010–2012

And the bug really, really likes Donald Trump. We have no choice: We’re all going to have to vote by mail if this malaise continues unabated.  Or die.

But going postal will all but guarantee Trump’s re-election.

Providen Response to the Covid-19 Crisis

- Providen is prepared to help pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and communities that require support through the Covid-19 Pandemic - 

WINNIPEG, March 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Pharmacists will play a critical role during the Covid-19 Outbreak in Canada. If we can look to Italy, Spain and other pandemic hot spots, pharmacies have been placed in challenging circumstances.  They have been tasked with providing essential services to their patient networks.   As the most accessible healthcare provider working on the front lines, pharmacy staff are challenged with extra workload to provide advice, dispense prescription, and non-prescription medications and to help close gaps in a strained healthcare environment.  As Italy has also shown, pharmacies are also not only having to deal with increased workload and patient demand but also staff shortages, pharmacy closures and deaths as it relates to Covid-19 exposure.  They have also moved as many as possible of their patients to a home delivery model to reduce staff exposure and provide products to infected or infirm patients.

Providen Pharmacy Logistics is a closed-door high-volume central fill pharmacy that provides packaging and distribution of prescription and non-prescription products to community pharmacies and correctional/healthcare facilities.  Our industrial facilities can package compliance packaging, vial filling, unit of use and through our partner pharmacy, custom compounding all pursuant to a prescription.   We can facilitate the fulfillment of large volumes of medications either sent in bulk, back to pharmacies ready for delivery or sent directly as individual orders to patients' homes.  We are able to provide solutions to help patient contact pharmacies with workload and help to mitigate or deal with pharmacy closures.

Pharmacies in Canada will be challenged with many obstacles as it relates to their patients and communities.  As part of a comprehensive pandemic plan Providen is notifying stakeholders that we are available to help in any way possible.

If you have any questions or would like to work directly with Providen to help with a solution please reach out to us as soon as possible as there are some time restrictions and work needed to get accounts set up.

About Providen Pharmacy Logistics
Providen Pharmacy Logistics is a western Canadian pharmacy organization providing technology and central fill solutions to retail pharmacy and institutional healthcare facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  With the head office located in Winnipeg Manitoba, and a second facility in Calgary, Alberta, Providen has been providing back end logistic solutions since 2011.

SOURCE Providen Pharmacy Logistics

Rensselaer Experts Available To Discuss COVID-19 Pandemic and Effects on Society

From AI to supply chains to board games, Rensselaer faculty provide wide-ranging expertise

TROY, N.Y. – In addition to the capabilities of one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently announced that it was making the expertise of its world-renowned faculty available to the broader research community to support work responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rensselaer expertise is also available to members of the media as they work to cover various aspects of the new coronavirus disease and its innumerable effects on society.

The following topics represent some of the many angles — including some that may prove unexpected — that Rensselaer experts are available to speak to as the crisis unfolds. The list is not comprehensive. Rensselaer faculty and staff will continue to make progress on new projects and collaborations related to COVID-19 as they rise to meet this global challenge. Additional experts and stories from Rensselaer can be found at news.rpi.edu.

Watch this video for a preview of Rensselaer experts discussing their work related to the current pandemic.

Supercomputing Consortium: As a member of the national COVID-19 High Performance Computing Consortium, Rensselaer has made AiMOS, the most powerful supercomputer housed at a private university, available to researchers engaged in the fight against COVID-19. “This effort requires expertise, collaboration, and the ability to process incredible amounts of data, and Rensselaer is offering all three at this critical time,” Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson said. “In particular, the ability to model at multiple scales requires the unique capabilities of AiMOS.”

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful new ally in tracking COVID-19, modeling the virus at the molecular level, and analyzing the myriad research results being published daily. James Hendler, the Tetherless World Professor of Computer, Web, and Cognitive Science at Rensselaer and director of the Rensselaer Institute for Data Exploration and Applications (IDEA), is engaged in marshaling AI resources at Rensselaer. For example, IDEA and the Rensselaer Libraries have collaborated to maintain lists of COVID-19-related data sources and scholarly research publications. AI is being used to translate literally thousands of scientific insights from text-based research products into forms that can more easily be analyzed. “The bottom line is that dealing with COVID-19 is a ‘big data’ problem, and AI is a crucial tool in the big data toolkit,” Hendler said.

Viral Traps: As researchers worldwide scramble to formulate a vaccine to combat COVID-19, a Rensselaer team is pursuing a potentially powerful solution to control the pandemic: a viral trap that is easily adapted to different classes of viruses, enabling a “plug-and-play” approach to virus detection and antiviral activity. Jonathan Dordick, an endowed professor of chemical and biological engineering, and Robert Linhardt, an endowed professor of chemistry and chemical biology, said the Rensselaer team is exploring how their work in the areas of viral detection, therapy, and inhibition could be used against COVID-19 and other viruses in the future. Their team views such innovative approaches as a vital hedge against the growing threat of global pandemics.

Supply and Demand: Retailers across the United States are implementing purchasing limits on certain items as governmental leaders urge citizens to pace their buying habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. José Holguín-Veras, an endowed professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rensselaer and director of the Center for Infrastructure, Transportation, and the Environment, has studied panic buying that happens before and after a crisis. These purchases are a natural human reaction to concern over potential shortages, but Holguín-Veras says they can also be problematic. Initiatives that could lessen that impact include agreements with key private-sector vendors to ensure critical supplies, campaigns to educate the public, and rationing and demand-management policies.

Ecological Impacts: “As people shift their behaviors in response to COVID-19, our environmental impacts also shift. Ecosystems respond,” said Kevin Rose, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Rensselaer. Rose’s work focuses on understanding large-scale patterns and changes occurring in freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, and streams. He is monitoring how restrictions on human work and movement impact the ecology. Currently, aquatic ecosystems that are used to heavy human traffic, such as canals or trade routes, are calmer and some are clearing up. In other places, active management is needed to maintain high water quality and balanced ecosystems. Many of those efforts are stalled right now. As ecosystems begin waking up from winter conditions, some invasive species may become a bigger problem this summer unless management efforts are restored.

Navigating the Bear Market: Thomas Shohfi, an assistant professor of finance and accounting at the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer, advises young investors through the RPI James Student Managed Investment Fund. He believes it’s important to remember that young investors have never experienced a bear market, something that is stressful for even the most experienced investors.  For millennials new to this environment, a rapid loss of investment account value and severe daily swings can be very difficult to handle emotionally at a time when they’re also dealing with the fears of getting physically sick from COVID-19. “I tell them not to let it dictate their lives and to not become addicted to watching the fluctuations,” Shohfi said. “Be confident in the long term and avoid short-term speculative risks that could permanently damage their portfolio.”

Best Board Games: Maurice Suckling is more qualified than just about anyone to recommend the best board games for families, couples, and others stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. A professor of practice in the Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences program at Rensselaer, he teaches about game writing, board games as storytelling, and games as historical simulations. He has credits on over 50 published video games and is also a published board game designer. His most recent board game, Chancellorsville: 1863, is in production with Worthington Publishing and will be released later in 2020.

Effective Telecommuting: In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, businesses are looking for ways to maintain productivity and a healthy work force. Telecommuting has emerged as one of the best options for companies to continue their workflow. But according to Timothy Golden, a professor in the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer, it takes effort from both the managers and the employees to make it work. “Research shows that transitioning to working from home on a full-time basis can be bumpy at first, if not done right,” said Golden, a leading expert in the field of telecommuting, telework, and the relationship between technology and managerial behavior. “Staying connected and making sure that your employees do not feel isolated, either socially or professionally, is especially important if they are to remain dedicated and productive.” 

Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses is growing more apparent every day. Small businesses, from restaurants and bars to beauty salons and tattoo parlors, are particularly struggling to regain their footing as the crisis forces more and more customers into their homes for an indefinite period. The leaders of the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship can discuss how entrepreneurs might effectively respond to this difficult time and why — despite the seemingly bleak future — they might be the most adept at handling change.

Better Health Through Proper Lighting: Exposure to a robust 24-hour light–dark cycle promotes circadian entrainment, which has many well-documented health benefits. For the many individuals who have been forced indoors by the COVID-19 pandemic, the correct use of light is an essential tool for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. For example, Mariana Figueiro, a professor and the director of the Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer, suggests that people who are mainly indoors right now increase their light exposure by a factor of four during the daytime. Morning light provides the most benefit in terms of avoiding the circadian disruptions that can lead to depression, anxiety, and insomnia. If someone has one table lamp in their home office or wherever they spend the bulk of the day, three more lamps should be added for a total of four. Extra lights should be turned off in the evening, mimicking sunset.

The Vaccine Video Game: Ushering a drug or vaccine from the research bench to the bedside of a patient in need is a complex process. To help medical students comprehend the steps and stages in this pipeline, faculty and students in the GSAS program at Rensselaer, in collaboration with the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, are developing Cure Quest. According to Ben Chang, a professor of arts and the director of the GSAS program at Rensselaer, this mobile computer game “will allow medical students to tie together the necessary steps for vaccine development in dramatic cases like we’re seeing right now with COVID-19.” 

Social Media and State of Mind: As an expert in how information spreads on social media, Lydia Manikonda, an assistant professor in the Lally School of Management at Rensselaer, has been tracking data from Chinese social media platforms specifically pertaining to COVID-19 since mid-January, and following American data since the beginning of February, to develop an understanding of how people are bearing the various burdens created by the pandemic.

Managing Stress Responses: The COVID-19 pandemic is causing people extreme stress and anxiety, which can lead to changes in the body and the brain. Alicia Walf, a senior lecturer in the Cognitive Science Department at Rensselaer, and Tomie Hahn, a professor in the Department of the Arts at Rensselaer and the director of the Center for Deep Listening, have combined their years of research and experience to provide a number of scientifically grounded stress reduction strategies and wellness practices that can be implemented to reduce these physical responses to stress and anxiety.

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, 32 research centers, more than 145 academic programs, and a dynamic community made up of more than 7,900 students and over 100,000 living alumni. Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

ShiftLink, Inc. provides an automated solution to expedite the shift-filling process to help front-line staff

TORONTO, March 24, 2020 /CNW/ - ShiftLink, Inc., an innovator in shift management software, is working closely with healthcare providers and organizations who employ front-line staff to offer an automated shift-filling solution. 

"An efficient shift management process is automated, paperless, and requires few phone calls," says Julie Adams, Chief Executive Officer of ShiftLink. "Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, organizations require a 24/7 staff rotation, and we are working very closely with them to provide support wherever we can," says Adams. 

ShiftLink ensures appropriate levels of staff are on duty and are not spending critical hours on the phone.  Steven Parker, Senior Manager at Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa says, "This software [ShiftLink] is being used and it has been a game-changer for management and staff, especially in times like these." 

ShiftLink is offering to waive all set up fees, customization of the platform, virtual training, and 24-7 support to any hospital in Canada to help battle COVID-19 demands, and is ensuring the deployment of the solution to emergency and intensive care departments can be ready within a few days. 

"We are extremely proud to be offering a solution to this very real and challenging time by helping hospitals, shelters and clinics ensure that its focus can remain where it is needed most – on patients and clients. ShiftLink has proven to be a great fit with hospitals and the community service sector and we are honoured to support local communities as we manage through the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak," says Richard Bicknell, Chief Operating Officer, ShiftLink.  

ShiftLink has sent out over 2 million shift notifications to date, is union-friendly, and offers a "code orange" feature that supports emergency response protocols. 

About ShiftLink.io

ShiftLink, Inc. is a Canadian technology company based in Whitby, Ontario that supports social enterprises, hospitals, shelters, and other organizations that depend on frontline workers. Its solution is a customizable cloud and mobile application that significantly reduces the time, cost, and frustration associated with filling open shifts. 

SOURCE ShiftLink inc

How Weightlifting Can Help Balance Your Testosterone

Low testosterone is a common problem that affects one in four men over 30. However, many men ignore the signs and symptoms or chalk it up to getting older. You might be surprised to know that weight-bearing exercise can boost your testosterone levels naturally. Read on to learn how pumping iron can pump up your testosterone.

Resistance Training Raises Testosterone

A man’s testosterone production increases following a resistance training workout, which means that incorporating weightlifting and other resistance exercises into your fitness routine can elevate your levels over time. Focus on strength training for two to three days per week and make your workouts last between 30 minutes and an hour. Alternate resistance training with workouts for flexibility and cardiovascular health.

Fitness Balances Hormones

Maintaining a healthy level of physical and cardiovascular fitness is a great way to improve your overall hormonal balance, and lifting weights is one of the best ways to get in shape. Strength training not only supports a healthy level of testosterone in men but also helps keep other hormones like cortisol and insulin in check.

Lean Muscle Burns Body Fat

Body fat, especially around the midsection, increases estrogen and lowers testosterone in men. Building lean muscle through weightlifting is a very effective way to burn that excess fat and increase your testosterone levels. However, low testosterone can be a vicious cycle because it’s more difficult to build muscle when your levels are low. Temporarily supplementing with a medication like the transdermal testosterone androgel can help you achieve greater muscle mass, reduce body fat and balance your hormones.

Forced Repetition Generates More Testosterone

If your testosterone levels are truly in the dumps, consider using forced repetition workouts to get your body pumping this hormone on high. Forced repetition involves lifting as many reps as you can followed by a partner helping you lift a few more. This technique was shown in a study from Finland to produce more testosterone than lifting weights alone.

Although weight training can help increase your testosterone levels, rest and recovery time is just as important. You need to let your muscles rest in between workouts so your body can repair and rebuild muscle fibers. Getting enough sleep is also essential because a man’s body produces testosterone and other vital hormones during the deeper cycles of REM sleep.

APA TO STATES, INSURERS: PROVIDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE DURING COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS   

Use of telecommunications will help prevent spread of virus, APA asserts

WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association called on states and insurers to move quickly to allow people to connect with their mental health providers remotely using telehealth as the need for mental health services rises during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“We are asking state policymakers to temporarily suspend state licensing requirements for telepsychological services, which would allow patients greater access to their providers and ensure continuity of care during this crisis,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, APA’s chief executive officer.  

“The federal government has just identified psychologists as critical, essential workers in the U.S. response to COVID-19. But this does not mean that psychologists and psychology trainees must do work in person," he said. "Essential psychological services can, and in many cases, should be delivered through telehealth. It is critically important that psychologists are able to meet the needs of their patients and communities during this difficult time, without further increasing the risk of contagion.” 

Private insurers should also approve payments for videoconferencing for all providers without limitation, as well as telephone-only services, and psychological and neuropsychological testing, he said.

Advances in telecommunications now allow people to interact with their psychologists through video, telephone and secure messaging platforms. These technological platforms allow people to receive mental health treatment while avoiding the spread of the disease, according to APA. 

Legislation passed by Congress in early March provided psychologists with greater flexibility in providing telehealth services to seniors on Medicare. However, it stopped short of providing similar benefits to those on Medicaid and private insurance. This legislation also did not extend Medicare reimbursement for audio-only services via telephone or for psychological or neuropsychological testing. Many patients and some providers do not have access or capability to use cellphones with video chat. They may also not have internet service or sufficient broadband speed. This is especially true for the many vulnerable populations served by psychologists, including older adults, those with disabilities, people residing in rural areas, those with a lower income, and others.

The federal legislation also does not supersede state licensing laws. Licensed psychologists are typically prohibited from using telehealth to provide services across state lines. APA calls for temporary suspensions of state licensing laws and regulations regarding telepsychological services in order to meet critical needs during the crisis. Some jurisdictions have already issued emergency declarations or have existing temporary practice provisions allowing licensed, out-of-state providers to deliver services during this public health emergency. A number of states have already acted to allow audio-only phone access to telehealth services, in addition to video chat.

“This is an extraordinary public health crisis with vast and unpredictable implications for the nation’s mental health,” Evans said. “Social isolation, grief, fear and stress are already having a real and crippling impact on Americans. Federal and state leaders and insurance companies must take immediate steps to expand access to mental health treatment for all.” 

Government and insurance policies in response to the coronavirus crisis are changing rapidly. APA’s COVID-19 webpage provides frequent updates on this issue. For an up-to-date summary of changes to state-by-state licensing laws, check the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards’ web site.