COVID-19 Virtual Toolkit Update for June 5, 2020

Here is an excerpt from our June 2 MAC Matters email.
You can see the full email here.

As you know, there have been numerous rumors and outright incorrect information out there regarding chiropractors and the provision of chiropractic massage in their practices. In an effort to clear things up, we have been in frequent contact with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Yesterday, we received the following from the Department [Emphasis added]:

Specifically as it relates to Chiropractic Medicine… these services may fully resume their health care services which are offered at an outpatient health care facility such as an ambulatory care setting, surgical center, medical clinic, physician office and within a health care setting. Regarding massage therapy, licensees who work as an employee in a health care setting such as for a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine and treating patients are allowed to work so long as they are providing massage therapy in a health care setting (i.e. outpatient health care facility, ambulatory care setting, physician office, health care clinic, etc.).

We trust that this definitive guidance from the regulatory agency governing both chiropractic and massage therapy – guidance that confirms what we have been telling our members and massage therapists all along – will end once and for all the speculation and misinformation being offered regarding massage.

At around 7pm Wednesday night, the U.S. Senate passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020, PPP "fix" legislation earlier passed by the House. There were concerns the bill would be blocked in the Senate, but a last-second deal was reached to pass the bill by a voice vote, and the bill now goes to President Trump for his signature.

In short, the bill would:

Lower to 60% from 75% the minimum portion of the PPP loan that must be spent on payroll. The rest must be spent on allowable non-payroll expenses (rent, utilities etc.). However, the legislation as written would require companies to spend 60 percent on payroll or none of the loan would be forgiven. Subsequent legislation is expected to clarify this.
Extend from eight to 24 weeks the amount of time the loan can cover
Extend the loan duration from two to five years (for the amount not converted into a grant, if any, but only for new loans)
Extend the program through December 31, 2020
Push back a June 30, 2020, deadline to rehire workers to December 31, 2020
Provide more flexibility on loan forgiveness for businesses who document that they could not rehire workers or reopen due to safety standards
Allow companies that get loan forgiveness to defer payroll taxes

**MAC Sample Preparedness and Response Plan (Updated May 19, 2020)

MAC FAQs

MAC Telehealth Information

Volunteer Information

Phone Screening Tool

COVID-19 Patient Screening Questionnaire (see website for workable file)

SHRM: Sample Notice of Temporary Layoff or Furlough Due to Coronavirus

MAC Matters: (NEW 4/29/20-5/8/20)

May 8, 2020 (New Executive Orders, Virtual Toolkit)

May 6, 2020 (MAC Sample Preparedness and Response Plan)

May 5, 2020 (Khaldun Guidance)

May 1, 2020 (Five New Executive Orders)

April 29, 2020 (CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Update - Track Funds)

The Michigan Association of Chiropractors is a professional association advocating for the rights of chiropractors and their patients across the state of Michigan. We are NOT a state agency or regulatory body. We are merely informing our membership regarding what they are allowed to do during this difficult and confusing time.

The information we provide during this pandemic is derived in conjunction with our governmental relations and legal experts, developed after examination of all official releases of information from the State of Michigan, the federal government, and in consultation with said experts and representatives from state government. Please refer to our emails and website for the latest information, free from speculation and the rumors currently circulating in the wake of official state actions.

Rest assured that we will continue to advocate for the profession at the highest levels, with the health and well-being of you and your patients, as well as the overall stability of the health care system, foremost in our efforts.