From: MDDBM@info.maryland.gov [mailto:MDDBM@info.maryland.gov] On Behalf Of Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 3:44 PM

Subject: COVID-19 Statement

Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners COVID-19 Statement

March 19, 2020

The Maryland State Board of Chiropractic Examiners will be working with the Secretary of Health on any state ordered restrictions on chiropractic practices.  At the time of this writing, the Governor’s Executive Health Care Matters Order does not directly affect private chiropractic practices.  The Governor’s Amended Large Gatherings Order closed “health spas.”  The Order does not require closure of spas providing one-on-one services in a private setting (e.g., massages), barber shops, or hair salons.  All establishments should monitor and follow all applicable guidance from the CDC, MDH, and OSHA regarding environmental cleaning and disinfection of rooms and equipment.

The Board recommends that all chiropractic practices exercise great care in treating and screening patients. The Board recommends that all chiropractic practices postpone performing elective care/therapy (wellness, prevention or asymptomatic care) at the present time. Acute care, or active care which may adversely affect the patient’s health if postponed can be administered and should be done in accordance with current CDC guidelines.  Chiropractors, Chiropractic Assistants and staff are a part of the healthcare community and have a responsibility in the prevention and mitigation efforts during this pandemic. Chiropractors, Chiropractic Assistants and staff are also in high risk categories for both transmission and contraction of the coronavirus. Chiropractors have a responsibility to manage the urgent needs of their patients during this crisis. It is inappropriate to send patients to hospital emergency departments, hospitals or other public health settings unless it is warranted and calling ahead is recommended.  These facilities are overwhelmed and struggling to handle the increasing surge of patients.

The Board is working with the Maryland Department of Health to closely track cases in Maryland.  The Board will work with the Coronavirus Advisory Group on additional actions and recommendations for Governor Hogan.

This is a challenging and evolving situation.  The Board will do its best to keep you apprised of all new developments.

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NOTICE: Board responses to inquiries are intended for guidance purposes only. As these positions do not necessarily reflect a discussion of all material considerations required to reach the conclusions stated, they are not intended to be rules, regulations or official statements of the Board. Accordingly, due to their highly informal nature, these responses are not considered binding upon the Board and should not be relied on as definitive.