Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
NEW: CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION:
Secretary Neall's 03-23-2020 Directive:
5. Elective and Non-urgent Medical Procedures - Licensed Health Care Facilities
Pursuant to the Executive Order of March 16, 2020 relating to various health care matters and in accordance with the guidance issued by MDH and posted on its website at http://coronavirus.maryland.gov, all licensed hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and all other licensed health care facilities shall cease all elective and non-urgent medical procedures effective at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and not provide any such procedures for the duration of the catastrophic health emergency.
6. Elective and Non-urgent Medical Procedures - All Health Care Practitioners
Pursuant to the Executive Order of March 16, 2020 relating to various health care matters and in accordance with the guidance issued by MDH and posted on its website at http://coronavirus.maryland.gov, all providers of health care licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized under the Health Occupations Article shall perform only medical procedures that are critically necessary for the maintenance of health for a patient. All elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments shall cease effective at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and shall not be performed for the duration of the catastrophic health emergency.
Secretary Neall's 03-24-2020 directive: Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland, Number 20-03-23-01, dated March 23, 2020 Amending and Restating the Order of March 19, 2020, Prohibiting Large Gatherings and Events and Closing Senior Centers, and Additionally Closing All Non-Essential Businessesand Other Establishments.
When “Non-Essential” Status is Unclear. If a business, organization, or facility is unsure about whether or not it is considered “non-essential” under the Order, it should:
a. First, carefully review the Order, all available guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (see https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructureduring-covid-19), and all Interpretive Guidance issued by OLC to confirm that the business, organization, or facility is not addressed in some way.
b. Second, if “non-essential” status is still unclear, make a good faith determination about whether it is “non-essential”, based on:
i. the Order’s purpose, which is to “reduce the threat to human health caused by the transmission of the novel coronavirus in Maryland, and to protect and save lives”; and
ii. how similar businesses, organizations, and facilities are treated under the Order.
c. Third, if the business, organization, or facility decides to remain open pending more detailed legal advice, strictly adhere to all applicable guidance from the CDC, MDH, and OSHA regarding social-distancing and environmental cleaning and disinfection.