COVID 19 Information
As the State of Ohio’s response to COVID-19/Corona Virus evolves, the Board will share information with licenses.
Communicating with the Board - in support of Governor DeWine's initiative to limit the spread of COVID-19, CSWMFT Board staff members will be working remotely until further notice. Those wishing to contact the Board are encouraged to send an e-mail. Please click HERE for a staff listing. Board staff will respond to voicemail message as quickly as possible.
Attention is focusing on the global impact of the Coronavirius. As you have questions or concerns, you will find helpful information and resources at https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus. Governor DeWine recently provided an update on the State of Ohio's efforts to prepare for and prevent the Coronavirius. Details on the the prevention and preparedness plan can be found at https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/update-covid-19-prevention-and-preparedness-plan.
COVID-19 | GUIDANCE FOR OUR LICENSEES
License Expiration Date Extension for Licensees with a 3/9/2020 through 4/1/2021 Renewal Date
On November 23, 2020, Governor DeWine signed into law HB 404. The legislation applies to “any license, permit, certificate, commission, charter, registration, card, or other similar authority that is issued or conferred by a state agency, a political subdivision of this state, or an official of a political subdivision of this state”. The legislation stipulates that no license or registration with an expiration date between March 9, 2020 and April 1, 2021 can be considered expired prior to July 1, 2021.
On December 2 the license expiration date will be extended for all licensees with a renewal date falling between 3/9/3030-4/1/2021 until July 1, 2021. The extended renewal date is not permanent. Whether you renew now or later your next license renewal date will not change. For example, if your license is due to expire on January 1, 2021, your next renewal date will be on January 1, 2023, regardless of when you renew during this extension period.
Licensees should plan to renew their license as soon as possible, as maintenance of your license is an important professional responsibility. There are some benefits to renewing now:
- There is no risk of forgetting to do so later resulting in an expired license and having to pay an additional late renewal fee;
- By renewing now, licensees can be sure the Board will be able to assist them with any renewal questions and review of post-program approval continuing education requests in a timely manner; and
- Renewing now will also ensure you are not unduly reducing the time between your renewals which can make it seem like you are renewing earlier than you expect.
Remember, you can complete all CE courses online. This applies to all license types. Once a licensee renews, their renewal date will return to its original date. In two years, renewal notices will then be sent starting 90 days before the license is due to be renewed.
To renew, you must submit your completed continuing education (CE) to CE Broker (Note: many CE providers upload your attendance information to CE Broker). You can access your CE Broker account at https://cebroker.com/oh/account/basic/ . Once completed CEs have been submitted, log into your eLicense account at https://elicense.ohio.gov/oh_communitieslogin. Select “Renew” under options to complete a renewal application. More information can be found at https://cswmft.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/cswmft/license-renewal/renewal-resources.
You can find eLicense support information at https://elicense.ohio.gov/OH_SupportPage.
Information for Trainees
While the expiration date for Trainee registrations has been extended, Trainees should not wait to complete the process for applying for an LPC, LSW, or MFT. Starting the licensure process now will help you secure a seat to take the appropriate exam. Also, completing the licensure process now will help you find permanent, full-time employment.
Please note the same rules and requirements apply to the extended Trainee registration as applied during the initial registration. The extended trainee status is not a temporary license and cannot be treated as such. The Trainee status is awarded based on an approved internship site. If the Trainee can continue at that internship site, they should do so. If it is no longer possible for the Trainee to continue at their current internship site, they may identify a new internship site and submit that information to the Board by email to the License Examiner with whom they have been working. Confirmation from the site or program is not required.
If you have questions regarding your Trainee registration, you can find more details by following the links below.
Counselor Trainee - https://cswmft.ohio.gov/Counselors/Counselor-Trainee
MFT Trainee - https://cswmft.ohio.gov/MFTs/MFT-Trainee
Social Worker Trainee - https://cswmft.ohio.gov/Social-Workers/Social-Work-Trainee
HB 404 – License Renewal Extension
On November 23, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 404 which addresses several COVID-related issues. The legislation stipulates that no license or registration with an expiration date between March 9, 2020 and April 1, 2021 can be considered expired prior to July 1, 2021. If your license or registration currently has a renewal\expiration date of 12/1/2020, or is set to expire on or before April 1, 2021, it will be extended until 7/1/2021. This provision applies to all licenses and registrations, including trainee registrations, issued by the Board. CSWMFT Board staff is working closely with its IT partners to make necessary adjustments to the eLicense system. Licensees will be provided additional information and guidance regarding the implications of this legislation soon. Licensees who are ready to renew are encouraged to do so.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
May 15, 2020
PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Ohioans can now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a new federal program that covers many more categories of workers than the traditional unemployment program.
Those who believe they may be eligible should visit pua.unemployment.ohio.gov and click the button that says, “Click Here to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.” Individuals who pre-registered for the program received an email with instructions for how to complete their applications.
PUA was made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program offers up to 39 weeks of benefits to many who traditionally have not qualified for unemployment benefits, including self-employed individuals, 1099 tax filers and part-time workers. The benefit amount is similar to traditional unemployment payments, plus an additional $600 per week through July 25.
If you have additional questions, please visit www.unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov or call (833) 604-0774.
Helpful Guidance on the Use of Asynchronous Telehealth Modalities
ODM and OhioMHAS have released a MITS BITS newsletter regarding the use of asynchronous telehealth modalities. such as email or text. The Guidance, which is aligned with the Board's telehealth rule, can be found at https://bh.medicaid.ohio.gov/Portals/0/Providers/MITS%20Bits/2020/BH-MITS-Bits_04-22-2020_Guidance_on_the_Use_of_Asynchronous_Telehealth_Modalities.pdf?ver=2020-04-22-121011-653.
Ohio CareLine
Ohio CareLine
Do you need help?
The Ohio CareLine is a toll-free number and emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Behavioral health professionals will staff the CareLine from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days/week. They will offer confidential support in times of personal crisis when individuals may be struggling to cope with current challenges in their lives. After 8 p.m., the CareLine will forward to the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, allowing those calling to have access to someone 24 hours/day.
CALL 1-800-720-9616 TO CONNECT
Wellness Resources for Providers
You are working hard to care for others, be sure to care for yourself as well. OhioMHAS has made available a toolkit of resources for those providing care and those who support them. Go to https://mha.ohio.gov/…/Training-and-Wo…/COVID19-BH-Resources for more information.
The Ohio Council - COVID Resources
The Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Providers ("The Ohio Council") has dedicated its March newsletter to highlighting COVID-19 resources. The information below is shared with the permission of the The Ohio Council.
Front Line Resources - Trauma Informed Care
3/31/2020
Below are resources that will be helpful for those providing care during the COVID-19 response. An emphasis is placed on resources to help those providing direct care.
A ohiocoronavirus.ohio.gov
Resources for Local Health Districts, Local Governments, and Providers
Resources for Healthcare Workers
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/home/Local-Health-Districts-and-Providers/
B OhioMHAS
Trauma-informed Care Resource Library
C OhioMHAS
First Responders
https://mha.ohio.gov/Schools-and-Communities/First-Responders
D eBased Academy – one-hour webinar Trauma-Informed Approaches – already CEU approved including Recognition Award for CMEs
Learning Objectives
The Trauma Informed Approaches course focuses on SAMHSA's four R's concept of trauma informed care: Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist.
Content
- Recognize what trauma is and its impact.
- Identify trauma informed responses.
- Identify strategies to avoid re-traumatizing victims.
- AMA PRA Cat. 1 Credit: 1.0
- RN/LPN Contact CE: 1.25
- Counselor CPEs: 1.25
- Social Work CPEs: 1.25
- Psychologists MCEs: 1.25
- Number of CEUs: 1.25
Awarded 1.0-hour AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award for completing this CME activity
COUNSELOR EDUCATION CLASSIFICATIONS: 1.25 R1 – Field Related Other
E eBased Academy – one-hour video Secondary Trauma for Administrators – already CEU approved including recognition Award for CMEs
Learning Objectives
This course is part of a 23-course curricula series developed by expert healthcare professionals to educate a variety of disciplines about drug addiction and its impact. The Secondary Trauma for Administrators/Organization Transformation course provides an in-depth look at secondary traumatic stress (STS) and its impact on organizations and the workforce. This course is designed to educate organizations about building resiliency, post-traumatic growth and the benefits of becoming an STS-informed organization. A case study is examined to help learners further understand best practices to becoming STS-informed.
Content
1. Define secondary traumatic stress (STS) and its impact on organizations and the workforce.
2. Understand the benefits and best practices of becoming an STS informed organization.
3. Identify strategies to encourage post-traumatic growth and building resiliency.
- RN/LPN Contact CE: 1.0
- Counselor CPEs: 1.0
- Social Work CPEs: 1.0
- Psychologists MCEs: 1.0
- Number of CEUs: 1.0
Awarded 1.0-hour AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award for completing this CME activity
COUNSELOR EDUCATION CLASSIFICATIONS: 1.00 R1 – Field Related Other
PREVENTION EDUCATION CLASSIFICATIONS: 1.00 R1 – Field Related Other
F Center for Health Care Strategies
Trauma-Informed care Implementation Resource Center
https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/what-is-trauma/
- What is trauma?
- What is trauma-informed care?
- Trauma-informed care in action
- Becoming trauma-informed
- Policy considerations
G SAMHSAs TIP 57 Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Service (PDF)
This manual helps behavioral health professionals understand the impact of trauma on those who experience it. The manual discusses patient assessment, and treatment planning strategies. These strategies support recovery and building a trauma-informed care workforce. Access the literature review.
H SAMHSAs Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services: Quick Guide for Clinicians Based on TIP 57 (PDF)
This guide has information for providers and administrators on caring for people who have experienced trauma or are at risk of developing traumatic stress reactions. It also addresses prevention, intervention, and treatment issues and strategies
I Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders in Ethnic Minorities
American Psychological Association
https://www.apatraumadivision.org/files/57.pdf
Trauma Informed Principles Through a Culturally Specific Lens (PDF)
National Latino Network
J Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences and Other Types of Trauma in the Primary Care Setting Trauma Toolbox for Primary Care
American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.aap.org/en-us/Documents/ttb_addressing_aces.pdf
K Self-Care for Social Workers During the Coronavirus Pandemic (Podcast)
Links to Resources
State of Ohio Resources
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
https://cswmft.ohio.gov/Home/COVID-19
https://medicaid.ohio.gov/FOR-OHIOANS/COVID-19-Emergency-Actions
Counseling
AMHCA Code of Ethics http://www.nymhca.org/AMHCACodeofEthics.pdf
NBCC - https://www.nbcc.org/Assets/Ethics/NBCCPolicyRegardingPracticeofDistanceCounselingBoard.pdf
CACREP - https://www.cacrep.org/for-programs/updates-on-covid-19/
Social Work
NASW Ohio Chapter - https://www.naswoh.org/page/telehealth2020
NASW - https://www.socialworkers.org/Practice/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus
Marriage and Family Therapy
AAMFT - http://www.aamft.org/iMIS15/AAMFT/Content/Legal_Ethics/Code_of_Ethics.aspx
Other
CDC- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
NIMH - https://www.nih.gov/health-information/coronavirus
APA - https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/social-distancing
American Telemedicine Association - http://www.americantelemed.org/resources/telemedicine-practice-guidelines/telemedicine-practice-guidelines#.VS_Go40tGUk
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-05-05/pdf/2011-10875.pdf
Medicaid - https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/downloads/medicaid-telehealth-services.pdf
HHS FAQ - https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/telehealth-faqs-508.pdf
Medicare - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-telemedicine-health-care-provider-fact-sheet
Ohio Approved for SBA Economic Injury Loans
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved the Ohio Development Services Agency’s request to allow small businesses and nonprofits in Ohio to apply for low-interest, long-term loans of up to $2 million through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and nonprofits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for nonprofits is 2.75 percent.
To keep payments affordable, the loans are long term, with up to 30 years for repayment. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on each borrower’s ability to repay.
Applying for the SBA loan:
- Loan applications can be completed online at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ or applicants can obtain a paper application by calling 1-800-659-2955. Online submissions are recommended.
- Once an application has been submitted, the SBA will review the information and determine eligibility.
- Once the SBA approves an applicant’s submission, they will close on the loan and the cash will be deposited into the applicant’s account.
- To expedite the application process, applicants should have the following documents ready: complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.
For more information about the loan program, visit SBA.gov/Disaster.
As efforts to combat the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus continue, Governor DeWine and his administration will continue to identify ways to support the state’s small businesses and nonprofits. Any of these entities impacted by the ongoing health crisis are encouraged to contact the Development Services Agency at BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov for more information.
Executive Order 2020-03D broadens state policy to clarify that individuals who are quarantined during the emergency period are considered to be unemployed. This also applies to companies that determine they need to temporarily shut down.
The executive order waives the one-week waiting period normally required before individuals can begin receiving benefits, and it waives the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits. In order not to penalize employers by increasing their future taxes, the cost of these benefits will be mutualized over time. In addition, the executive order waives penalties for late filing and payment for the duration of the emergency.
To help protect the public against the spread of COVID-19, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH, strongly recommend that all employers screen employees each day before work by following these steps:
- All employees who are able to work from home should be working from home at this time
- For those employees who have to come in: each employee should have their temperature taken each day, and if they have a fever at or above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, that employee should be sent home.
- This employee can return to work when:
- They have had NO fever for at least three (3) days without taking medication to reduce fever during that time; AND
- There is improvement in their respiratory system (cough and shortness of breath); AND
- At least seven (7) days have passed since their symptoms began.
- It is best to use touchless thermometers if possible (forehead/temporal artery thermometers), but if you must use oral or other types of thermometers, make sure to clean the thermometer thoroughly between each employee, as to not spread infection.
- Follow the manufacturer’s direction to disinfect the thermometer.
- If no directions are available, rinse the tip of the thermometer in cold water, clean it with alcohol or alcohol swabs, and then rinse it again.
- This employee can return to work when:
- If you do not have thermometers on site, have your employees take their temperature at home. They should stay home if they have a fever and follow the same protocol.
- There is currently a shortage on thermometers. If you cannot find thermometers, and employees do not have one at home to check their temperature, you can screen each incoming employee with a basic questionnaire.
- Do you have symptoms of respiratory infection? (fever, cough, shortness of breath)
- No - proceed to work
- Yes – Employee will be sent home. Employee is required to stay home at least 7 days from the time they experienced symptoms AND at least 3 days after they have no fever (without taking medication to reduce fever) AND have improvement in their respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath).
- Does not require a doctor’s release.
- Do you have symptoms of respiratory infection? (fever, cough, shortness of breath)
- Have you been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19?
-
- No – proceed to work
- Yes, and not experiencing symptoms – employee will be required to stay at home for 14 days from the time they were exposed to confirmed COVID-19
- Yes, and exhibiting symptoms – employee is required to stay home for at least 7 days from the time they experienced symptoms AND at least three days after they have no fever (without taking medication to reduce fever) AND have improvement in their respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath).
-
- Please remember to continue to follow preventative measures no matter how many employees are in the office – physical distancing, stay home when sick, use cough and sneeze etiquette, and practice hand hygiene as often as possible. Clean all high-touch surfaces regularly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ONLINE: Please visit www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov for the most up-to-date information from the Ohio Department of Health.
PHONE: For any questions you have about COVID-19, please call 1 (833) 4-ASK-ODH from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m (7 days/week).
SOCIAL MEDIA: @GovMikeDeWine
Face to Face Supervision of Counselor Trainees
OAC Rule 4757-17-01 requires that trainees have “face to face” supervision. To ensure supervision is as accessible as possible, supervision of Trainees can occur via telephone if that is the best means of providing supervision.
Trainees and Interns - Teletherapy
Can Trainees provide teletherapy?
Yes. There are no laws or rules that prohibit a Trainee from providing teletherapy. Registered Trainees (CT, SWT, MFTT) have the same scope of practice as a LPC, LSW, or MFT. They can diagnose and treat under supervision both in person and via teletherapy. It is up to the education program and Trainee’s internship/practicum site to determine whether a Trainee can provide teletherapy.
What happens if a college or university suspends classes? How does that impact Trainees?
Any Trainee whose college or university suspends classes must determine whether they are allowed, according to the institution, to continue reporting to their internship/practicum site. If the answer is yes, the Trainee can continue to provide services under supervision as they were doing before the suspension of classes. However, if the Trainee is required by their institution to suspend reporting to their internship/practicum site and serving clients, the Trainee, working with their supervisor should appropriately terminate with any clients in accordance with ORC 4757 and OAC 4757.
How does a suspension of classes impact interns who are not Trainees?
Interns are exempted from ORC 4757 if they are enrolled in a program of education. However, since the intern is providing services as part of a program of education in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy, they should work closely with their site supervisor to ensure that clients are not abandoned and an appropriate plan for continuity of care is established, which could include terminating and referring out the clients.