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• Per email correspondence with LDH Attorney Latoya Robertson on March 23, 2020, it is LDH’s position that the LSBEP is required to investigate all complaints of violations of Dr. Guidry’s orders. Violations will be subject to disciplinary action by the LSBEP.

• Louisiana Department of Health –
  • Informational Bulletin 20-4:COVID-19 – MHR Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised January 26, 2021)
  • Informational Bulletin 20-5:COVID-19 Provider Update (Revised January  15, 2021)
  • Informational Bulletin 20-6:COVID-19 – LMHP Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised February 4, 2021)
  • Informational Bulletin 20-7:COVID-19 – SUD Telemedicine/Telehealth (Revised January 26 2021)
  • Informational Bulletin 20-8:CARES Act Provider Relief Funding (Revised June 15, 2020)
• HIPPA: “Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency” – https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
• Medicare Learning Network, Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS) Publication “Telehealth Services” ICN MLN901705 March 2020  – https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/TelehealthSrvcsfctsht.pdf 
• APA RESOURCES:
  • Informed Consent Checklist for Telepsychology Services
  • Office and Technology Checklist for Telepsychology Services
  • What the COVID19 Telehealth Waiver Means 
• The Louisiana Psychological Association has information on their website related to training (including Telehealth Webinars) and support in your practice during COVID19.  You can access their page at https://louisianapsychologicalassociation.org/

• The application fee is required for all submissions beginning September 1, 2020.
• Applications should be mailed to: 4334 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite C-150, Baton Rouge, LA  70816.  Practice under this registration provision shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46 Part LXIII. Psychologists.
• You will receive an email notification of receipt/approval.
• On April 3, 2020, for the period beginning March 11, 2020, through the duration of the Governor’s “Stay at Home” Order, the Board voted to waive the requirement that at least 50% of approved tele-supervision of trainees and assistants be provided in-person. All other supervision requirements remain the same (e.g., minimum supervision time requirements, appropriateness of activities delegated to assistants and trainees, etc.).

1. The Board will waive the in-person requirement for administration of the Oral Examination and will conduct face-to-face examinations via Zoom.
2. Criminal Background Check requirements have not been waived. Information on obtaining a background check will be mailed directly to the applicant.
3. EXAMINATION FOR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN PSYCHOLOGY (EPPP) –

   Updates on the Pearson site can be found:  https://home.pearsonvue.com/coronavirus-update. ASPPB has posted a FAQ page regarding the rescheduling process at ASPPB COVID19, EPPP Update.

BOARD OPERATIONS – The board will remain functional to address essential operations. Some deliverables may be delayed as a result.  Work schedules have been altered for essential personnel to work remotely or stagger shifts.  The best point of contact will be via email to admin.lsbep@la.gov or jaime.monic@la.gov.  Our main office is shared with another board and we have a common area shared with another office, therefore our office is CLOSED to ALL visitors until April 3, 2020, except to receive mail and courier deliveries.  This is required to ensure the continued health of essential employees and continued operations of the board.

ORGANIZED VOLUNTEER EFFORTS IN LOUISIANA – Register to volunteer through LAVA (Louisiana Volunteers in Action) at www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov. LAVA is administered by the LA Department of Health, Office of Public Health to recruit, credential, train, manage and deploy volunteers (medical and non-medical) to assist during emergencies.

• LA Department of Health – Guidance on the Provision of Health Care Services in a Non-Discriminatory Manner During the COVID19 Event
• LA Department of Health Provider & Plan Resources (advisories and information): http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1734
• APA Resources for use in your practice – https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics
• “Prepare for your Health” U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/prepareyourhealth/index.html
• “Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities: U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/index.html 
• “Information specific to Coronavirus” U.S. Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/
• Louisiana specific information and links regarding Coronavirus, Office of the Governor of Louisiana: https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/89
• Louisiana Department of Health –  http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/

• La Department of Health Advisory Memo #2020-COVID19-ALL PROVIDERS-001 from Interim Secretary Stephen R. Russo to all health care providers. Contains a summary of recent federal legislation passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the types of funding available to health care providers.
• The Louisiana Department of Health – Office of Behavioral Health (LDH-OBH) is providing free, 24/7 counseling support services for Louisiana citizens. These services can be accessed through: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/5492.