Update September 19, 2021
We have heard from many members who have questions regarding the recently announced Alberta Government’s Restrictions Exemption Program. The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has now released more details about this program that include which businesses are eligible to participate in this program, and which are not.
Please see the full CMOH document that includes the full details of this program by visiting https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/cmoh-order-43-2021.pdf
Massage therapists are not eligible to participate in the Restriction Exemption Program at this time.
The provincial mask mandate remains in effect. All massage therapists and their clients must remain masked for the duration of the treatment, regardless of the setting these treatments take place.
Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the office at info@mtaalberta.com
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors
Effective July 1, 2021
Practice Restrictions Now Lifted for Massage Therapists in Alberta
We have now received confirmation from Alberta Health Services (AHS) that as of July 1, 2021, restrictions related to massage therapy practices will be lifted. All massage therapists will no longer be required to adhere to the “Covid-19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Massage Therapists in Alberta”. Therapists must continue to follow the guidelines outlined in their association’s Standards of Practice document when treating clients.
All municipal bylaws supersede these directives. We ask that you continue to follow your local bylaws if restrictions in your area remain in effect.
We are also aware that some massage therapists are uncomfortable with the lifting of restrictions at this time. We continue to encourage you to do a risk assessment for your practice, and only provide treatments in a manner that you are comfortable with.
Should you have any questions or require any further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your association.
JOINT STATEMENT ON STAGE 3 RE-OPENING ON JULY 1st
We wish to remind Massage Therapists in Alberta that the COVID 19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual will remain in force for all Alberta members of the above Massage Associations.
Regardless of any announcements made by the Alberta Government leading up to the July 1st date, this Manual will remain in effect until at least July 10th.
Further direction will be provided leading up to July 10th through a joint statement from all Associations on what, if any, mandatory requirements contained in the COVID 19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual will be removed or updated. Please continue to follow all COVID 19 protocols, including mandatory masking in clinic space for all persons in attendance at a clinic.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your respective association for clarification.
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Massage Therapists
April 10, 2021
Dear Members,
It was recently announced that beginning Monday, April 12, 2021, massage therapists practicing in Alberta will be eligible to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination during phase 2C of the vaccination schedule. AHS has indicated that only active practising massage therapists and students who are treating clients in person will be eligible for vaccinations at this time. In order to prove your active status, you may be asked to provide documentation at the time of your vaccination. AHS has recommended that MTAA members provide either a copy of your local city practitioner’s license, a copy of your MTAA liability insurance policy, or a letter from your employer. For students currently enrolled in a massage therapy program, a letter from your educational institution in order to verify your status as a student is required.
You can access a copy of your liability insurance policy by logging into your MTAA member profile. Once inside your profile, select the “Documents" section. In this area, you will see a file listed as “ LastName, FirstName - Insurance Cert. 2021” which you can print or download for use.
To find local pharmacies that are administering the vaccinations, an AHS vaccination site, or to book your vaccination appointment visit:
You can also visit https://pharmacy.londondrugs.com/HealthClinics/FeaturedArticles/COVID-19-Vaccinations to book appointments directly with London Drugs or https://covid-19.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en to register with Shoppers Drug Mart for a vaccination appointment.
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory for Canadian citizens or Alberta health care providers at this time. Should AHS requirements on the vaccination status of health care providers in Alberta change at any point in the future we will notify our members of this decision.
Our office has received inquires on whether or not massage therapy treatments need to be delayed 24-48 hours following a COVID-19 vaccination. The response we have received from AHS is that there is no reason for massage therapists to isolate or delay a return to work following their vaccination. AHS has also indicated that clients who have recently received their COVID-19 vaccinations do not need to delay their massage therapy treatments unless they are experiencing symptoms or feeling unwell.
As always, if you have any questions regarding COVID -19 vaccinations or any other topic, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@mtaalberta.com.
Sincerely,
MTAA
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Massage Therapists
March 22, 2021
The Alberta Government has issued a notice that massage therapists and clinical support staff are eligible to obtain vaccinations as part of Phase 2C of the COVID-19 vaccine plan. Although we do not have the exact date these vaccinations will be available, we have been notified that this will begin sometime between April and June 2021. Please click COVID-19 vaccine program | Alberta.ca for more details and to review the information available for Phase 2C April to June.
The MTAA has reached out to the Alberta Government to confirm the various ways members can provide proof of MTAA membership to ensure that you can book and successfully obtain your vaccination. Once we have more information on how MTAA members can book and obtain COVID-19 vaccinations, we will be sure to update you.
Update January 15, 2021
Referrals No Longer Required
Effective January 18, 2021
The MTAA is pleased to announce that we have had confirmation from the Alberta Government that effective January 18, 2021, there will no longer be a requirement for massage therapy clients to get a prescription or referral in order to access massage therapy services. Massage therapists can return to their regular practice with respect to booking appointments with clients.
Dear Alberta Massage Therapists,
On January 7th, Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement that previously enacted provincial restrictions would remain in place until January 21st or until further notice. This includes the requirement for all massage therapy treatments within the province of Alberta to be accompanied with a written referral from a regulated health professional.
We collectively have heard from many of our members who are frustrated that this required referral creates an unnecessary barrier to practice, nor does it improve the safety or effectiveness of the treatments they provide, which has always been to the highest standard within our province; and our Boards of Directors completely agree.
As such, the TC-CMTA, CMMOTA, CRMTA, MTAA, and NHPC have signed a joint letter to express our opposition to these restrictions and to encourage this government to accept our application to become a regulated health profession under the Health Professions Act. Please click here to view the joint letter that was sent to Premier Kenney, Minister Shandro, and Dr. Deena Hinshaw on January 8, 2021.
Thank you to all of our collective members who took the time to contact their elected officials and express their concerns over these restrictions and to educate their MLA’s on our desire to become a regulated profession. Thank you to those that encouraged their clients, professional peers, family and friends to do the same. Collectively raising our voices in early December was effective in having our closure amended. We sincerely hope that this momentum not only allows for the current restrictions to be removed but for the regulation of massage therapy to finally move forward in Alberta.
Update Jan 13, 2021
Referral Requirement Extended
to January 21, 2021
Dear Member,
We want to ensure you are aware of the recent Alberta Government announcement regarding the restriction that requires all clients to provide a referral in order to receive massage therapy treatment. This restriction was initially announced on December 22, 2020. Recently Premier Jason Kenney announced that this restriction has been extended to January 21, 2021.
We wanted to take this opportunity to reach out to our members and ensure you had some helpful information by providing you with some answers to frequently asked questions our office has been receiving.
To view a list of regulated health care professionals in Alberta, please click the following link:
https://www.alberta.ca/regulated-health-professions.aspx
To view the referral templates issued by the MTAA, please download the forms below:
Referral Template - PDF Version
Referral Template - Word Version
Frequently Asked Questions: Referrals Currently Required
How long are referrals valid for?
Unless it states a specific date, referrals are valid for 12 months from the date issued.
My client has submitted their referral to their health insurance company and does not have a hard copy. Will a screenshot of the already submitted referral meet the requirement currently in place?
Yes. If you have a client that can provide a digital copy or a screenshot for a referral already submitted to an insurance company, a copy of this must be obtained and kept in your client's file as all other health history information.
Do all referrals have to be submitted to our client's insurance company?
To our understanding of the restrictions mandated by the Alberta Government, these are not required to be submitted to the insurance company unless the insurance company indicates it is required.
How long do I have to keep a copy of the referral?
All health information must be kept as outlined in the downloadable MTAA Standards of Practice (See Standard 14).
Why are we required to obtain a referral from our client?
The requirement to obtain a referral to be able to provide treatment was a decision of the Alberta Government as announced on December 22, 2020, by Health Minister Tyler Shandro. This is not a requirement put in place by the MTAA and none of the massage therapy associations were consulted in the making of this decision.
My client is having difficulty in obtaining a referral from their regular health care team as advised by the MTAA. What is an alternative option?
While the MTAA advises that clients obtain a referral from their regular health care team we understand that this may not always be possible. Clients can be informed that they have the option to access telehealth Apps such as the ones listed below:
https://www.babylonhealth.com/ca
https://rocketdoctor.ca/
There may be other telehealth options available, however, the above are a few that our members are currently forwarding their clients to.
I hope that you found this information helpful. If you have any follow-up questions, please be sure to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Gina Hendrickson
MTAA Executive Director
December 29, 2020
Referrals Required
Dear Members,
We hope you all had a safe and relaxing holiday season this year. We have recently received feedback from members that a standardized referral form which can be handed to patients to take to their chosen regulated health professional would be helpful. As such, we have included a referral template that can be used in your practise as needed.
Please click here for the PDF version and click here for the WORD version of the template.
We appreciate that this is still a stressful time, and that many of you have questions about who patients can contact for this referral. The current provincial restriction states that any regulated health professional can provide this referral however, we suggest your clients contact their regular care provider such as their medical doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, psychologist or dentist. As some members may already be aware, acupuncture will fall under the HPA as of December 30, 2020. Although this is a significant transition, Alberta acupuncturists have been regulated under the HDA for many years, and so may provide a referral for massage therapy prior to December 30th. The appointment to acquire this referral from the regulated professional can be done either in person or via virtual meeting.
The Babylon Telus Health App is a great option for clients who do not have a regular care provider. https://www.babylonhealth.com/ca
We have had many inquiries in regards to mobile massage therapy operating under these restrictions. To our understanding, mobile massage therapists are allowed to provide treatment under these restrictions, so long as all protocols are being followed. If we become aware of any changes to this mandate we will inform our members immediately.
As always, the choice to return to practise remains your own. The change to this amended restriction does not require you to return to work if you are uncomfortable doing so at this time.
Your MTAA Board of Directors will be hosting a virtual Coffee Chat for further follow up on all the new changes happening in our profession. We encourage members to register for this event happening January 6th from 1-3 pm and to submit any questions you have by January 3rd by emailing these to info@mtaalberta.com. Please use the following link to register for this event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W28St_SjQJ-4wUM4S5z1xw
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors
*To view the list of all regulated health care professions in Alberta please click the following link:
https://www.alberta.ca/regulated-health-professions.aspx
December 28, 2020
Joint Statement by the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA), the Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA), the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA), and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association (NHPC) and supported by the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta (TC-CMTA)
We are pleased to present the Massage Therapy industry in Alberta with our jointly established “COVID 19 Infection Prevention and Control Manual for Massage Therapists in Alberta” document. This document will come into effect January 4, 2021, and will be enforced by all four associations. Please adjust your massage therapy practices to reflect the requirements in this document.
A list of suppliers where you may be able to source ASTM Level 1 or higher masks is included at the end of this document. Please be aware that the box should have the level listed on the outside of the box or may contain a paper on the inside of the box stating the ASTM level of the mask.
Be aware that some hand sanitizers have been recalled by Health Canada, so please check to be sure that the hand sanitizer you are providing your clientele has not been recalled – (https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/73385a-eng.php).
The exemption allowing return to work established on December 22, 2020, which was provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) may be terminated or modified by the CMOH in writing without notice and for any reason as determined by the CMOH.
In the event of additional measures or directives by Alberta public health authorities, if those measures or directives are of a higher standard than this document, the directions of the Alberta public health authority take precedence.
When changes to requirements are made by the Alberta public health authority, we commit to providing the Massage Therapy industry in Alberta with continued joint updates.
We remind all massage therapists that you have the option to return to work, and it remains the choice of the individual therapist on when they choose to return.
We wish you all a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year.
Supplier List:
https://ca.oliberte.com/category/masks
https://www.staples.ca/collections/face-masks-8983
Relaxus https://relaxusonline.com/
Chemfax www.chemfax.com
Apollo Management Solutions https://www.apollomanagement.ca/discount/mtaa10
All Clean Natural www.allcleannatural.com
Westkey | Xibita kwinfield@westkeygraphics.com
CB Medical https://www.cbmedical.ca/
Hardy Medical Supplies www.hardymedicalsupplies.com
Wood Wyant www.woodwyant.com
MDX Services http://www.mdxservices.com/
December 23, 2020
Joint Statement
by the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA), the Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA), the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA), and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association (NHPC) and supported by the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta (TC-CMTA)
As per the update provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, massage therapists are able to resume immediately providing services under the following guidelines:
All clients must have either a written prescription from a Medical Doctor, or a written referral from a regulated health professional (https://www.alberta.ca/regulated-health-professions.aspx)
An existing written prescription is only valid if issued within the last 12 months.
An existing written referral is only valid if issued within the last 12 months.
A copy of the original written prescription or written referral is acceptable.
The written prescription or written referral must be provided prior to receiving treatment.
A copy of the written prescription or written referral must be kept in the client’s file.
All previous requirements for hygiene standards, PPE, masks, and other barriers issued by the individual associations will still apply until January 4, 2021. We will release the new “Infection Prevention Control Manual for Massage Therapists in Alberta” document before the end of 2020, which will come into effect January 4, 2021.
This exemption, which has been provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) may be terminated or modified by the CMOH in writing without notice and for any reason as determined by the CMOH.
One of the main requirements in the new “Infection Prevention Control Manual for Massage Therapists in Alberta” document will be the mandatory use of surgical/procedural masks (ASTM Level 1 or higher) by all massage therapists. We recommend that you start sourcing these immediately in preparation for this change. Until the document comes into effect on January 4, 2021 you may continue to practice under the existing requirements for hygiene standards, PPE, masks, and other barriers issued by the individual associations and under the Guidance to Wellness Services document supplied by the Alberta Government (https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-wellness-services.pdf)
We remind all massage therapists that you have the option to return to work, and it remains the choice of the individual therapist on when they choose to return.
We wish you all a healthy Happy Holidays and a safe return to work.
COVID-19 2nd Update December 22, 2020
Dear Members,
Your Board of Directors held an emergency meeting to discuss the announcement made by Health Minister Tyler Shandro (https://www.youtube.com/watch... ) today, as well as the jointly drafted protocols mentioned in the notice to members issued earlier today. To be clear, massage therapists still cannot return to practice until we receive notification from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, that she has amended the current mandatory provincial COVID-19 restrictions. The Alberta Government has yet to clarify the date and requirements for massage therapists to return to practice.
We look forward to continued collaboration with the CMMOTA, CRMTA, NHPC and the TC-CMTA to advocate for the profession. Once we have more direction on this latest announcement, we will be sure to notify our members.
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors
COVID-19 Update December 22, 2020
Joint Statement
Today, during our second day of joint meetings between the Transitional Council for the College of Massage Therapists of Alberta, and the four Massage Therapist Associations in the province we were excited to hear the announcement of a pending limited return of Massage Therapy by Health Minister Shandro (https://youtu.be/_vctftbhQ1A?list=PLvrD8tiHIX1L5LKwB0kl-4aJjkK4OuE-l).
We are waiting to hear specific details from the province and will be providing those to our members as they become available.
We are pleased to announce that today we have finalized a joint draft “COVID-19 Pandemic Practice Guidelines, Protocols and Best Practices for Massage Therapists in Alberta” that will go back to the Canadian Massage and Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA), the Certified Registered Massage Therapist Association (CRMTA), the Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA), and the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada Association (NHPC) for Board approvals and will be released as quickly as possible. These jointly developed protocols will ensure that all Alberta Health Services and Association guidelines and policies are followed by all members in good standing with one of these Associations. This will ensure the protection of the public and provide clarity for our fellow health care professionals.
We thank all those who have spent time over the past weeks advocating on behalf of the massage therapy profession. We hope that the collective advocacy will move the Government of Alberta towards regulating our profession. We will continue to advocate collectively to have the province allow the full return of Massage Therapy practice and to bring regulation to fruition.
All associations are experiencing a high volume of calls, emails, and inquiries. We would appreciate your patience and understanding as it will take time to respond. Please refrain from contacting our offices for information as we will release information as soon as it becomes available.
Wishing you continued Health and Safety.
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COVID-19 Update December 8, 2020
Dear Members,
It was announced today by the provincial government that further restrictions will be coming into effect at midnight Sunday, December 13th (Saturday night), to decrease the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system. As such, massage therapy services must cease on or before that time.
Although the MTAA is very much in support of any action that helps limit the spread of COVID-19 and reduces the risk of harm to both clients and practitioners, we feel that mandating the closure of massage therapy services does not achieve this goal. Massage therapy is an integral part of Albertan’s healthcare regime. It is especially useful to help combat the effects of stress which may be caused or exacerbated by the social isolation requirements of the current health pandemic restrictions. Since June 15th, when Phase 2 of the relaunch plan was enacted, massage therapists have been working with Albertans in a safe and effective manner. To our knowledge, no outbreaks of COVID-19 have been linked to the provision of massage therapy services. Restricting Albertan’s access to massage therapy care may inadvertently cause more harm to those seeking care.
Most Canadian provinces have regulated the massage therapy profession. As regulated health professionals, massage therapists have been allowed to continue practicing when provinces have enacted widespread public health restrictions. MTAA massage therapists are trained to the same national competency standards as our regulated counterparts in other provinces. Furthermore, our members are required to follow the same pandemic practice guidelines that Alberta’s regulated health professionals must follow and that Alberta Health Services (AHS) has mandated.
The MTAA Board of Directors believes that our members can provide essential care for Albertans in a safe and effective manner. We will advocate that our members be allowed to return to practice provided they continue to follow all AHS Infection Control Guidelines, and the MTAA COVID-19 Pandemic Practice Directive, which is aligned with current AHS guidelines.
Until an exemption or re-categorization of massage therapy can be confirmed, members must cease practicing in accordance with the provincial government’s mandatory restrictions.
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors
COVID-19 Update November 25, 2020
Dear Members,
As stated by Premier Kenny on November 24th, 2020, all personal services in “enhanced” zones must be conducted by appointment only. As massage therapy is always conducted on an appointment/session basis, there will not be any required changes to your practice.
It is important to note that walk-in appointments are not allowed in “enhanced” zones at the current time. However, this does not mean you cannot take a short-notice appointment, but, you must continue to ensure that every person who enters your place of work is actively screened for COVID-19 prior to any other interaction. If the person screens negative for COVID-19, and you have an opening in your schedule, you can book them in for an appointment.
For therapists who offer mobile services or who work from home, you must continue to follow the same guidelines that are outlined in the MTAA Pandemic Practice Directive. No changes are required at this time.
Since the re-opening of massage therapy services in June, all MTAA members have done a fantastic job adhering to the MTAA Pandemic Practice Directive and following all Alberta Health recommendations. We have not heard of a single outbreak of COVID-19 where transmission was causally linked to a massage therapy session. Your compliance with adopting the current best practices for disease and infection control is one of the primary reasons why massage therapists can continue to practice during this public health state of emergency.
We ask that all members continue to follow the MTAA Pandemic Practice Directive and any applicable mandates issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
For complete information on the new measures enacted by the Alberta government, please see the following link:https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx#toc-1
For information and guidance on practicing during COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 page on the members-only side of the MTAA website and the Pandemic Practice Directive.
https://www.mtaalberta.com/index.php?page=428
https://www.mtaalberta.com/?page=451
Sincerely,
MTAA Board of Directors.
Intra Oral Treatment During COVID-19
Effective: September 18, 2020
Since COVID-19 began, the MTAA Board of Directors has strongly recommended that all members do not practice intra-oral techniques due to the increased risk of aerosol generation and the increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. Recently, members have informed the MTAA that they are concerned that their practice is suffering due to these blanket restrictions.
After reviewing the available data on COVID-19 and consulting with public health experts, your Board of Directors has revised the MTAA recommendation regarding intra-oral treatment at this time.
In order for a massage therapist to provide intra-oral treatment during the ongoing public health pandemic, they must adhere to all the guidelines in the COVID-19 pandemic practice directive AND they must follow all the treatment guidelines in the “MTAA Position Statement: Intra-oral Treatment during COVID-19.” It is imperative that the massage therapist uses their professional judgement to determine if the benefits of an intra-oral treatment outweigh the potential transmission risks of infectious pathogens.
Click to download the Position Statement: Intra Oral Treatment During COVID-19
When treatment can be delayed or completed without intra-oral techniques, that is the safest and most desired approach. If the therapist determines that an intra-oral treatment is indicated, the MTAA Board of Directors is confident that all members, when following the appropriate treatment guidelines and public health directives, will be able to do so in a manner that is safe to both the therapist and the patient.
Telehealth Position Statement Update
June 29, 2020
In April of this year, the MTAA Board of Directors issued a temporary position statement that allowed for the provision of virtual massage therapy appointments under certain circumstances. This position statement was set to expire on June 30th, 2020.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing recommendation from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to practice social distancing whenever possible, the MTAA board of directors has extended the expiry of the temporary virtual massage therapy position statement.
The original statement and all the requirements it contained will remain in effect until such time that the Chief Medical Officer of Health and/or any other Alberta legislative body, rescinds all orders and recommendations to practice physical distancing. When all such orders are rescinded, the board of directors will determine whether or not virtual massage therapy appointments are something that should continue to be a part of our profession.
The Board is committed to ensuring that the MTAA stays current with the latest evidence in healthcare provision and it is our goal to ensure that our members have all the tools necessary to facilitate positive change with their patients whilst maintaining the highest standards of compassionate, patient-centred care.
We would appreciate any feedback from members regarding their provision of virtual massage therapy appointments, and how it has affected their practice.
Click here to download the updated telehealth position statement.
Update
June 12, 2020
Supine Head and Neck Treatment Precautions
The MTAA has received a few inquiries in the past few days regarding information recently released by the government of Alberta for the Wellness Industry. Specifically, there was a section that mentions the wearing of masks for both the service provider and the client during face-to-face services. Massage Therapy does fall under the wellness category, however, we are with the understanding that the direction issued through the Alberta Government BizConnect website is geared more for someone who provides services in areas such as esthetics or dermatological treatments where providers are spending a significant amount of time looking directly at their clients face. We have reached out to Alberta Health Services (AHS) and are awaiting confirmation but in the meantime, we would like to provide some clarification for members that are practicing at this time.
When treating supine, you should avoid face-to-face positioning. This can be accomplished by rotating your client's face away from you and positioning your own body and face in the opposing direction. Limiting supine, head and neck treatment when possible will also decrease the risk of droplet transmission. If this is not possible, ensure there is some form of protective barrier between you and your client. Either the practitioner and the client are both masked, or, some form of an acrylic barrier can be placed between you and the client that allows for your hands to pass underneath.
The MTAA will continue to update our members if we see that any clarification is needed and for any confirmed changes issued regarding COVID-19 and our MTAA Pandemic Practice Directive.
We know that many of you are very busy as some members are back to practicing as of today or are preparing to do so soon. We will continue to issue any notices or updates through email as well as on MTAA social media. A great way to stay up to date with any changes regarding COVID-19 is to follow the MTAA on Facebook as we post all notices to members there.
MTAA COVID-19 Update
May 22, 2020
Another week has passed with our industry shuttered. Thankfully, the measures taken by the Alberta Government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) with respect to social distancing and the closure of non-essential businesses appear to be working. For each of the past two days, Alberta has reported less than 50 new cases of COVID-19 respectively, and the hospitalization and ICU numbers are continuing to drop. If this trend continues, we may be on track for Stage 2 of the re-launch plan previously indicated to happen around June 19th.
There are many things we need to consider when preparing to start practicing again. Although the MTAA has not yet released its “return to practice guidelines” (we are awaiting final approval from Alberta Health), there is no shortage of information available to start forming decisions on what you can do to protect yourself and your patients.
A document, directly from the CMOH: Record of Decision – CMOH Order 16-2020, specifically Appendix A - Workplace Guidance for Community Health Care Settings, lays out the framework for non-essential healthcare workers and the rules they must follow when returning to practice. The top four active measures listed in that document, in order, are:
- Screening for COVID-19
- Proper hygiene – hand washing, coughing etiquette
- Proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
With regards to PPE, it is important to note that the Alberta Government, specifically for non-essential healthcare workers who are treating patients that are NOT SUSPECTED to have COVID-19, the appropriate PPE is as follows:
All staff providing direct client/patient care or working in client/patient care areas must wear a surgical/procedure mask continuously, at all times and in all areas of the workplace if they are either involved in direct client/patient contact or cannot maintain adequate physical distancing (2 metres) from client/patient and co-workers.
This is the only form of PPE that is mentioned for healthcare providers who are providing care to screened healthy individuals. Alberta Health emphasizes in their document the need to conduct proper screening, cleaning, and hygiene as our primary lines of defence against COVID-19, not expensive PPE.
For those who are anxious about re-opening and want to start preparing, you may want to consider the following:
- Look at your treatment space and plan how to allow for 2 meter physical distancing whenever possible (reception area, patient interview, homecare instruction)
- Create a list of all high touch and common touch surfaces that will need routine cleaning and disinfecting.
- Think about your schedule. Do you need to alter the amount of time between your appointments to allow for physical distancing between patients and proper sanitization of your treatment space? (There is no “correct amount of time”. You need to make the best decision for your practice, factoring in your treatment environment, your sanitization products, your size of clinic space etc.)
- Ensure an adequate amount of hygiene supplies: hand soap / hand sanitizer, towels, etc.
- Ensure all soft surfaces are able to be disinfected (pillows have vinyl covers, tables are not ripped, thermophores have vinyl covers etc.)
This list of ideas is by no means complete nor is it meant to be a substitute for an official “return to practice” guideline. However, I personally hate waiting and I believe these are some helpful ideas for the general things we will need to think about prior to re-opening.
The MTAA Board of Directors and MTAA Staff are continuing to consult with the government and healthcare regulatory bodies to ensure that our members will have all the information they require to return to practice in a safe, confident and timely manner. We sincerely appreciate your patience and the trust you have placed in the MTAA during this stressful time.
Additional resources for your information:
Appendix A: Workplace Guidance for Community Health Care Settings
https://open.alberta.ca/publications/cmoh-order-16-2020-2020-covid-19-response
Ontario - COVID-19 Patient Screening Guidance Document
COVID-19 Update
May 15, 2020
On May 13th, multiple members discovered an error on the Alberta Governments website, erroneously listing massage therapy as part of the Stage 1 opening. The MTAA was able to contact the government and confirm that Massage Therapy is categorized to re-open in Stage 2.
Premier Kenny recently mentioned during a media session that Stage 2 would happen “not before June 19th”. I caution members about booking a full schedule for this date. As the citizens of Calgary and Brooks discovered late yesterday, nothing is guaranteed when it comes to COVID-19 re-opening dates.
At this stage, we should be contacting our patients, checking in on their health status, and letting them know we anticipate being able to offer hands-on massage therapy appointments sometime after June 19th, 2020.
As clinicians, engaging with our patients during this time is an effective way to continue to nourish the therapeutic relationship and will often lead to better results for your patients and a full practice for you to return to.
Developing a waitlist of patients who are interested in an appointment is easier to manage than having to cancel multiple appointments due to a delayed Stage 2. Communication is integral in long term patient retention.
With constantly changing restrictions, timelines and public health mandates, social media have continued to be flush with various ideas and theories. The role of the MTAA is to provide you with accurate information, in a timely manner, that will allow you to be prepared to return to practice. We will not hastily create policies that will become “out of date” or inaccurate before you are able to return to practice. Weeks ago, the MTAA, with assistance from the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors, submitted a complete “return to practice guideline” to the government of Alberta for approval and/or guidance.
We have been informed that Alberta Health has actioned our proposal to their team, but with the COVID-19 situation changing as the economy re-opens, they want to wait until we are further into stage one before they give approval or advise on the changes they would like to see in a plan that becomes relevant in Stage 2.
I know waiting for guidance is frustrating and that PPE is still a concern for many therapists. At this time, to give any firm indications of requirements would be premature as they may change over the course of the re-opening. The MTAA’s guidelines on PPE and other best practices will be very closely tied to the recommendations of AHS, the Chief Medical Officer of Health and various regulatory health colleges in Alberta.
I am confident in the direction the Chief Medical Officer of Health has guided the Alberta Government, and I believe our profession and our practices will return safe and strong this summer.
COVID-19 Update
May 1, 2020
Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
Yesterday, Premier Kenney released Alberta’s relaunch strategy. Stage 1 of the relaunch is set to begin as early as May 14, with Massage Therapy being designated in the Stage 2 category. Stage 2 has not been given a set date of relaunch but will be after Stage 1 has been determined to have been a success based on various health indicators.
In order to re-open practices, RMTs will need to follow guidelines and protocols put forth by the Alberta government. The government has not yet released any indication as to the personal protective equipment (PPE) or safety guidelines businesses in Stage 2 will need to adhere to.
Prior to re-opening practices, it is advised that all members educate themselves on the proper infection control procedures and use of PPE. Free online courses are available through Alberta Health Services at:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15735.aspx
Although these courses are geared towards hospital staff, much of the information is applicable to RMT’s in private practice. Members who complete the Personal Protective Equipment and You course and submit their certificate of completion to info@mtaalberta.com will receive 1 Primary credit.
The MTAA will continue to be in contact with government officials regarding this and will release any information we are provided to you in a swift manner.
We understand that therapists are eager to get back to work, and the safety of both our members and the public has always been the utmost importance to the MTAA. The MTAA and its Board of Directors will continue to support you in this staged transition.
COVID-19 Notice to Members
Friday, March 27, 2020
It was announced today by the provincial government that all massage therapy-related activities must cease, effective immediately. Failure to abide by this order could lead to a complaints/disciplinary investigation by the MTAA.
Update to Members: March 24, 2020
In our previous notice to members, we recommended that you stop practicing based upon the inability to maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have received a significant volume of questions regarding this recommendation and if it is mandatory.
To clarify, the MTAA does not have the authority to demand you close your practice. Only the various levels of government (Municipal, Provincial and Federal) have the authority to mandate a closure of your practice. Some municipalities, such as Chestermere, have already mandated the closure of Massage Therapy practices. The list of provinces that have mandated the restriction of massage therapy is growing to include Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Quebec. At this time, the Alberta government has not yet released a mandated closure.
Massage Therapy involves touch. It is impossible to implement the recommended two-meter social distancing guidelines when providing massage therapy care. This inherently increases the risk of contracting or transmitting the COVID-19 virus.
It is based on this fact that we continue to recommend you refrain from offering massage therapy at this time.
However, we understand that some of our members work with patients in acute situations and may feel that treatment would eliminate the strain on our emergency medical providers. To align with the position of the regulated health care professions in Alberta, emergent care may be administered providing the following is true:
- The patient is in an acute state whereby, if they did not receive immediate treatment, the patient would be severely limited from performing their activities of daily living. The patient would likely go to the hospital to seek relief from symptoms.
- The patient is in sub-acute state whereby, if the patient did not receive immediate care, they would likely progress to an acute state and be severely limited from performing their activities of daily living.
We know that our members have the skills to properly assess every situation on a case by case basis and decide whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. As a healthcare provider, you need to conduct proper risk screening procedures and implement the most stringent risk management protocols to decrease the likelihood of virus transmission as much as possible in a human contact-based environment. Please visit the Acute Care Info page for information on best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and determination of necessary massage therapy treatments. Please note that you will be prompted to provide your member log in details and will then be forwarded to the Acute Care Info webpage.
We have also received a significant amount of member questions regarding if their liability insurance is valid during this time. We have been assured by our insurance provider that your liability policy is in full effect at the current time, however, your insurance policy does not cover you for any claims pertaining to the transmission of COVID-19. If a patient were to claim that they were at your clinic, or, had a treatment from you, and they were subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19, your insurance policy would not cover a claim related to the virus. Your insurance policy would also not cover any legal costs arising from fighting that claim. Providing any massage therapy treatment during this COVID-19 pandemic increases your liability risk – specific to the COVID-19 virus.
We would like to reiterate that the situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing. Governments are continuously mandating service closures and enforcing new restrictions to level the spread of this virus. We advise all members to stay current with the recommendations and enforcements enacted by all levels of government and to refer to Alberta Health Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Health for best practices during this provincial state of health emergency.
We wish you all the best of health and please know that we are here to offer support and guidance during this unprecedented time.
March 18, 2020
COVID-19
Notice to Members
Our accounting affinity partner, Christine Walters of All-Inclusive Accountant has prepared the following information regarding finances for you, in this time of uncertainty. We understand that many of our members are self-employed, and the inability to work may cause a severe financial strain on yourselves as well as your families. Please review the following information provided by Ms. Walters:
Dear MTAA Member,
With the sudden escalation with regards to COVID-19 and the isolation measures that are being put in place, it’s likely that filing your Tax Return is the last thing on your mind.
I would like to inform you that the CRA has announced that they will be extending the deadline for filing your Personal Tax Returns to June 1st and the payment deadline will be extended to August 31st before any interest is charged.
If you receive Child Tax benefits or GST benefits it is recommended that you file your return as close to April 30th as possible so that your new benefit amounts starting in July will flow without interruption.
Here are some details of the initiatives the government is proposing to help all of us:
The federal government is proposing a one-time special payment to happen most likely in May, which will probably double the quarterly GST payment you may receive. The federal government is also proposing to increase the Canada Child Benefit by $300 per child for the year.
The government is also proposing a 6-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada student loans for people in repayment.
Six of Canada's biggest banks have announced support for families which can include 6 months of payment deferrals for mortgages, in addition to other relief on other credit products. Click here to read more details. Please reach out to your bank and see what options are available to you. If your mortgage is insured through CMHC there are also options including payment deferral, loan re-amortization and other special payment arrangements, speak to your mortgage professional to see what is available for you. Click here to read more details.
For those of you that are incorporated, the CRA is allowing you to defer the payment of any income tax owing until August 31, 2020. There has been no mention of extending filing deadlines at this time.
The government has proposed temporary income support for workers and parents. These benefits will be administered by CRA and could provide up to $900 biweekly for up to 15 weeks for eligible persons. Right now eligible persons includes all workers including self-employed who are quarantined or sick with COVID19 who do not qualify for EI, workers including self-employed who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID19 and do not qualify for EI, and parents with children who require care or supervision due to school closures and are unable to earn employment income regardless of whether they qualify for EI or not. The government has informed us the application for this program will be available in April. You will be able to apply through your MYCRA account, My Service Canada account or calling a toll-free number.
There is a Longer-Term Income Support for Workers, however, the details have not yet been released for this. For right now the government is saying a payment of an undisclosed amount for the Emergency Support Benefit will be delivered through CRA to support workers who are not eligible for EI and are facing unemployment. Does this include us as self-employed? That remains to be seen.
If you are running a small business with employees, the government is proposing a temporary wage subsidy for 3 months. The subsidy will be equal to 10% of the payroll paid in that period up to a maximum of $1375 per employee and $25000 per employer. Businesses can benefit immediately from this measure by reducing their payroll remittances.
Please note that most of these initiatives require Royal Assent, so it will still be at least 3 weeks before we can access any of these benefits. This information can be sourced from the following link:
If you’d like to chat with me to go through your current situation, for some more information on filing your Tax Return remotely, or the change in deadlines with regards to the current state of emergency - Please feel free to contact me via email at christine@allinclusiveaccountants.com. As an Affinity Partner with the MTAA, I offer a discounted rate for all tax filing for members.
Please do reach out if you have any questions, I’ll aim to get back to you as soon as possible. Also, please feel free to forward this information to your co-workers, friends and family.
Best wishes and keep safe,
Christine
All-Inclusive Accountant
COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2020
11:30 AM
We want to update our members with the recent statements made by our Prime Minister related to the support for Canadians due to COVID-19.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated that for those who do not qualify for EI Insurance and do not have access to paid sick leave, the Canadian Government is introducing the COVID -19 Emergency Care Benefit that will provide financial support every two weeks to workers who have to stay home. Individuals can receive this benefit for up to 14 weeks for an amount that is comparable to what an individual would receive through EI. This applies to people who become ill, for those placed in quarantine or need to self-isolate, or for those that have to take care of a family member with COVID-19 but fail to qualify for EI benefits.
If you have lost your job but you do not qualify for EI benefits the Canadian Government is implementing the COVID-19 Emergency Support Benefit to assist Canadians. This will apply to people who are self-employed and have to close their business due to COVID-19.
The Canadian Government is offering a temporary wage subsidy for small businesses equal to 10% of salary paid to employees for a period of 3 months. This is to assist employers to keep employees on their payroll.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined other measures being taken by the federal government related to those that owe taxes for 2019, for parents with children that receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit, as well as for individuals with low income through increasing the GST benefit, for those that have a Canada Student Loans as well as other measures.
As we obtain more information about the COVID -19 Emergency Care Benefit and the COVID-19 Emergency Support Benefit we will be sharing these details with our members. These updates will be issued via email, by posting this information on our website www.mtaalberta.com in the section dedicated to COVID-19, as well as through the MTAA Facebook Page.
We recognize these are uncertain times and individuals are eager to get more information about the support that is being created due to COVID-19. We want to assure our members that we will keep you updated as we learn of any new details.
COVID-19 Update
March 17, 2020
8:00 PM
Today we are faced with a health pandemic that none of us have ever experienced. Understandably it is causing fear and confusion.
As of March 17th, the Prime Minister has recommended “people stay home”, Calgary has declared a state of emergency and the province of Alberta has declared a state of public health emergency. We are being advised by our governments and our medical professionals to enact social distancing and stay a minimum of two meters away from others whenever possible.
The MTAA has consistently stated that we will follow the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, and the recommendations of Alberta Health Services. Today, with the Alberta government declaring a state of public health emergency and the increasing recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to practice social distancing, the MTAA is strongly recommending our members take the following action:
Immediately cease all massage therapy services until at least March 30th, 2020.
Massage Therapy is not an essential front-line medical service. Although it is an incredibly effective and beneficial healthcare service, the risks of potentially contracting or transmitting COVID-19 generally outweigh the benefits of massage therapy treatment.
The MTAA acknowledges that the decision to shut down your practice is incredibly difficult. There are personal, financial and ethical considerations, and many of you will face significant financial hardship as a result. This recommendation was not a decision we made lightly. The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association have all recommended that their clinicians suspend their practices immediately.
Nationally, it has become clear that it is time to take extreme measures to help flatten the curve of this virus. We need to help our first-line healthcare providers save the lives of Canadian’s. We can do this by suspending our practices, applying social distancing in our lives, and stopping the spread of COVID-19. We know our members want to do what is right, even if it the hard choice, and it is clear the right choice today is to suspend all massage therapy activities.
The MTAA is continuing to watch and speak with our government partners in hopes that there will be financial assistance to all members who suspend their practice, whether they are independent contractors, clinic owners or employees. We will continue to update you with any new developments as soon as we receive them.
Together we can support each other, persevere through this incredibly difficult time, and continue to help all Canadians maximize their health.
COVID-19 Update- March 15, 2020
The COVID-19 virus and the rapid increase of infections in Alberta is a growing concern to MTAA. We appreciate the concern of our members, their clinics, staff and patients. As the situation regarding this virus is changing daily, and new recommendations are being issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta, it is important that all members stay apprised of any new developments using the official Alberta Health website https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
The MTAA recommends all its members:
1) Contact all scheduled clients and advise them not to attend their appointment if:
- The client has travelled outside of Canada in the past two weeks
- The client has a fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing
- The client has had close contact with a person confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19
- The client has shown signs of any acute respiratory illness in the past 2 weeks.
2) Advise clients who have travelled outside of Canada or who have any of the above-listed symptoms to self-isolate and call 811.
3) Advise clients who are coming into your clinics to wash/ sanitize their hands prior to entering your clinic and after receiving their treatment.
4) Follow proper infection control guidelines, standards of practice and hygiene best practices.
At this time, the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta has not recommended you close your practice. It is important to note that this situation is changing rapidly, and this advice may change. Please stay current to the daily updates provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta.
It is important to note that the City of Calgary has declared a state of emergency and has ordered closed all city rec facilities, public libraries and other non-profit organizations. Along with these closures, the city of Calgary has also issued an order stating that all buildings need to limit their occupancy to half of the capacity approved by the City of Calgary Fire licensing department. All clinics in the City of Calgary must limit their total occupancy to half of what their license states.
It is also important to note that other provinces in Canada and regulatory colleges have recommended their professionals close clinics and cease all non-essential healthcare at this time. The MTAA advises all members to prepare for the possibility of the mandated closure of all Massage Therapy businesses in the near future. The Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada have assured us that employees and businesses will be taken care of in this challenging time, and they will release more information regarding available assistance in the coming week.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding how to best prepare yourself during this outbreak, please contact the MTAA office by emailing info@mtaalberta.com
Coronavirus / COVID-19
Due to the increased inquiries and concerns regarding the coronavirus also known as COVID-19, the MTAA advises that all therapists follow MTAA Standards of Practice and guidelines provided by the Government of Alberta by clicking on the following link: https: //www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
Other Resources: