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General Information and Preparedness for COVID-19
updated 4/2/20
WEBINAR - COVID-19 Federal Laws and Financial Options for Optometry
This webinar was presented by the AOA staff and Dr. Jeff Michaels on March 31, 2020.
IT IS A MUST LISTEN. Discusses what doctors of optometry need to know about just-enacted Federal crisis relief legislation, including details on CARES, loans, leave and more.
https://www.aoa.org/coronavirus/covid-19-webinar
Health Policy Institute Statement on Doctors of Optometry and COVID-19
Updated March 24, 2020
Every Doctor of Optometry should understand the risks associated with this outbreak to ensure continued ability to care for patients.
https://www.aoa.org/documents/HPI/HPI%20CoronaVirus%20Statement%201-30-20.pdf
U.S. Legislative Response to COVID-19
Updated March 25, 2020
The unprecedented global pandemic posed by the new coronavirus ("COVID-19") has left US lawmakers scrambling to provide emergency relief for individuals and businesses throughout the country while also seeking to slow the spread of the virus and develop an effective treatment.
https://thevisioncouncil.org/members/us-legislative-response-covid-19
CDC Information for Healthcare Providers
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
This interim guidance has been updated based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States, which includes reports of cases of community transmission, infections identified in healthcare personnel (HCP), and shortages of facemasks, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) (commonly known as N95 respirators), and gowns.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html
Resources on evaluating and testing persons for COVID-19, Infection Control Guidance, Clinical Care Guidance, Home Care Guidance, Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure Guidance, and more.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html
CDC Updates on COVID-19 Situation Summary
This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information and guidance as it becomes available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
Essential Business Operations by State
The federal government has issued guidelines specifying what is classified as an essential and non-essential business; however, the decision regarding which businesses can remain open and which must be closed during a time of crisis is ultimately made by each state government.
https://thevisioncouncil.org/members/essential-business-operations-state
CDC Online COVID-19 webinar for Health Professionals
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe-index.html
Covalent Careers COVID-19 Resource Center
This virtual hub shares helpful resources on the coronavirus pandemic for optometry students, practicing ODs, and practice owners.
https://covalentcareers.com/coronavirus/
Covalent Careers Live Data of Coronavirus Impact on Optometry Practices
Industry insight reports powered by GPN in partnership with CovalentCareers. The charts illustrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 2,800 optometric practices across the United States.
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/live-data-coronavirus-impact-optometry-practices/
AOA’s multifaceted COVID-19 response offers immediate AOA dues relief, approved dues and assessment freeze, directed program reprioritization, extending all AOA advocacy activities, approved direct affiliate support, establishing a long-term relief program for doctors.
http://www.aoa.org/news/inside-optometry/aoa-covid-19-crisis-relief-recovery-assistance
Patient Care Guidance
updated 4/2/20
AOA COVID-19 Crisis Response Resources
Provides a variety of resources for Optometrists for managing their office, staff needs and patient care during the COVID-19 crisis.
https://www.aoa.org/coronavirus
Evaluating and Testing Persons for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updated March 24, 2020
The CDC clinical criteria for considering testing for COVID-19 have been developed based on what is known about COVID-19 and are subject to change as additional information becomes available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html
Flowchart to Identify and Assess 2019 Novel Coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/2019-nCoV-identify-assess-flowchart-508.pdf
CDC Information for Healthcare Providers
Resources on evaluating and testing persons for COVID-19, Infection Control Guidance, Clinical Care Guidance, Home Care Guidance, Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure Guidance, and more.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html
AOA Guidance on Patient Care Practice
https://www.aoa.org/covid-19-guidance-for-optometric-practices
AOA Guidance on Telehealth-based Care During COVID-19
https://www.aoa.org/aoa-guide-to-telehealth-based-care-during-covid-19
AOA Guidance for Contact Lens Wear During COVID-19
https://www.aoa.org/contact-lens-wear-during-covid-19
Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
Based on the current COVID-19 situation and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), the CDC has issued specific recommendations. As more is learned about COVID-19 and as the needs of the response or availability of PPE within U.S. healthcare facilities changes, the CDC will update its guidance.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/healthcare-supply-ppe-index.html
CDC’s Strategies for Optimizing the Limited Supply of PPE
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html
CARES Act Information
updated 4/6/20
Student Loan Interest Suspended and 6 Month Payment Moratorium
The President has announced an immediate suspension on interest for all federal student loans until September 30, 2020. The interest suspension is in effect now. As part of the CARES Act, your payments will also automatically stop from March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020. To provide relief for student borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being place on administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/optometrist-student-loan-interest-waiver-coronavirus/
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions
WEBINAR - COVID-19 Federal Laws and Financial Options for Optometry
This webinar was presented by the AOA staff and Dr. Jeff Michaels on March 31, 2020.
IT IS A MUST LISTEN. Discusses what doctors of optometry need to know about just-enacted Federal crisis relief legislation, including details on CARES, loans, leave and more.
https://www.aoa.org/coronavirus/covid-19-webinar
US Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Emergency Loan – Small Business Guide
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated almost $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this cheat sheet to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan.
https://www.uschamber.com/report/covid-19-emergency-loans-small-business-guide
Learn more about the Cares Act.
Business Provisions Under the CARES Act
Individual Provisions Under the CARES Act
Join the ODs on Finance Facebook group to tune into a Facebook Live Q&A on the CARES Act.
Click here to join. 3/31/20 @11am PT/ 2pm ET
Personal Financial Information
updated 3/27/20
State and Local Tax Payment and Return Filing Responsibilities
Federal Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin previously announced a 90-day deferral for individuals and many businesses in making certain tax payments to the IRS. Separately, recently published IRS Notice 2020-18 has advised that the April 15 due date for return filing purposes will be moved to July 15 to coincide with the 90-day payment deferral, and that there is no limitation on the amount of the payment that may be postponed to July 15. Developments for a number of states are provided at this link – however changes are highly likely, each state will act independently, and you are directed to consult a licensed tax professional for assistance.
https://communications.bakerdonelson.com/61/3571/march-2020/internal-lists---coronavirus--s.a.l.t.-select-developments.asp
Mortgage Assistance and Relief Programs
If you are having concerns regarding mortgage payments, you can consult the following information from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae concerning assistance programs. If you are having trouble paying, you should contact your lender immediately, as many banks and lenders are offering their own assistance programs.
http://www.freddiemac.com/about/covid-19.html
https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/covid-19.html
Student Loan Interest Suspended and 60 Day Payment Moratorium
The President has announced an immediate suspension on interest for all federal student loans until further notice. These is also a 60-day moratorium on all federal loan payments. The following links provide more information. The interest suspension is in effect now. However, you will need to contact your lender if you wish to suspend your loan payments. If you are having trouble paying your loans, do not wait until the day before the payment is due to contact your lender.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/optometrist-student-loan-interest-waiver-coronavirus/
https://www.odsonfinance.com/student-loan-refinacing-lenders/
Financial Information and Resources for Practice Owners
updated 4/2/20
How the Treasury Department is Taking Action
The Treasury Department is supporting American workers and businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus. In February, Secretary Mnuchin was appointed to the President’s Coronavirus Task Force, where he meets daily with the Vice President and our nation’s top health officials.
www.whitehouse.gov/news/.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET: FOR BORROWERS
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP--Fact-Sheet.pdf
How Small-Business Owners and the Self-Employed Can Take Advantage of the Coronavirus Stimulus Package
What’s in the stimulus package and how to protect your assets and livelihood during this crisis.
https://fortune.com/2020/03/26/stimulus-package-how-to-unemployment-benefits-small-business-student-loans-self-employed-retirement-coronavirus-bill/
Private Practice Financial Tips for COVID-19 Pandemic Survival
The pandemic is here and impacting your practice. These are the steps that you need to take today.
https://www.reviewob.com/private-practice-financial-tips-for-pandemic-survival/
Safeguarding Your Practice Financially
Actions you can take to financially protect yourself and your business during this unpredictable time.
https://www.reviewob.com/coronavirus-your-business-safeguarding-your-finances/
A Helpful Tool For Cash Flow To Use In The Pandemic & Beyond
One of your goals in a time of decreased revenue collected is to downsize expenses to avoid going negative on your practice cash flow. This spreadsheet is designed to help you achieve that goal. This article will show you how to use the spreadsheet to guide your practice not only in these difficult times but also as we climb back out of this problem.
https://www.reviewob.com/covid-19-a-helpful-tool-to-use-in-the-pandemic-beyond/
Managing Your Business Risk – Applicability of Force Majeure to COVID-19
A force majeure clause in a contract excuses or delays a party's contractual obligations if a "Force Majeure Event" takes place. The definition of what constitutes a "Force Majeure Event" can vary widely from contract to contract
https://www.bakerdonelson.com/coronavirus-managing-your-business-risk-applicability-of-force-majeure-to-COVID-19
Employee Information and Resources
updated 3/27/20
State by State COVID-19 Resources for Employers
This page developed by the American Optometric Association provides State-by-State Information on classification of OD's as Essential Providers, updates on providing Telehealth care, Unemployment Resources, State Sponsored Volunteer Healthcare Opportunities, and each state’s individual COVID-19 Resource Site.
https://www.aoa.org/states-covid-19-resources
What You Need to Know About Expanded Unemployment Benefits for COVID-19
The stimulus package agreed on by negotiators for the White House and leaders of both parties includes a big expansion of both the length and amount of unemployment insurance (UI) available. The deal expands UI to cover gig workers, independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/25/what-you-need-to-know-about-expanded-unemployment-benefits-for-covid-19/
How does the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” affect me?
To cushion the financial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the American workforce, on March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, by introducing the Emergency “Paid Sick Leave” and an expanded “Family and Medical Leave Act” to the nation’s workforce. This article addresses questions that optometric employers and employees may have about the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on their business and income.
https://www.odsonfinance.com/how-does-the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-affect-me/
DOL Issues Initial Q&A Guidance and Fact Sheet on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The U.S. Department of Labor issued has issued initial guidance in response to general questions posed by employers about the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
https://www.bakerdonelson.com/coronavirus-dol-issues-initial-qa-guidance-on-the-families-first-coronavirus-response-act
Remote Working: Setting Yourself and Your Teams Up for Success - LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/remote-working-setting-yourself-and-your-teams-up-for-success
Webinar: Effectively Leading & Manage Remote People & Teams - March 31, 10am PT
Learn what it takes to build successful remote team cultures.
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Zh4lD1MCTR2haCgzMsofFw
The State of Flexible Work Arrangements
This guide provides data on which flexible work arrangements are most valued, utilized, and tend to increase employees' job satisfaction and productivity.
[pdf coming soon]
Small Business Administration Assistance and Resources
updated 3/27/20
For information or to find a location near you, contact the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail [email protected].
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program Guide
This pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.
https://www.sba.gov/document/support--express-bridge-loan-pilot-program-guide
SBA Disaster Assistance Response Program for COVID-19
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Tennessee small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
Additional Filing Requirements Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL)
The APPLICANT must establish that the claimed economic injury is substantial and is a direct result of the declared disaster. For MREIDL, the applicant must establish the claimed economic injury is substantial and is a direct result of the call-up of an essential employee. Substantial economic injury generally means a decrease in income from operations or working capital with the result that the business is unable to meet its obligations and pay ordinary and necessary operating expenses in the normal course of business.
https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form-1368-additional-filing-requirements-economic-injury-disaster-loan-eidl-and-military-reservist-economic
IRS Tax Authorization Form 4506-T
SBA requires you to complete the IRS Form 4506-T as a part of your disaster loan application submission. The form authorizes the IRS to provide federal income tax information directly to SBA.
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf
State Licensure Information
updated 3/27/20
The following link provides contact and important information for State Licensing Boards for all 50 US states.
https://www.optometry.org/state_board.cfm
Tax Deadline Extended
updated 3/27/20
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that the federal income tax filing due date has been automatically extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. This is for federal taxes only. Many states are also extending their deadline – so consult your individual state tax information. Keep in mind that if you are due a federal tax refund, you can still file at any time before July 15, 2020. The following link provides additional information.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-now-july-15-treasury-irs-extend-filing-deadline-and-federal-tax-payments-regardless-of-amount-owed
Student Loan Interest Suspended and 60-Day Payment Moratorium
updated 4/6/20
The President has announced an immediate suspension on interest for all federal student loans until September 30, 2020. The interest suspension is in effect now. As part of the CARES Act, your payments will also automatically stop from March 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020. To provide relief for student borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being place on administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment.
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/delivering-president-trumps-promise-secretary-devos-suspends-federal-student-loan-payments-waives-interest-during-national-emergency
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus
https://covalentcareers.com/resources/optometrist-student-loan-interest-waiver-coronavirus/
https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus#borrower-questions
Mortgage Assistance and Relief Programs
updated 3/27/20
If you are having concerns regarding mortgage payments, you can consult the following information from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae concerning assistance programs. If you are having trouble paying, you should contact your lender immediately, as many banks and lenders are offering their own assistance programs.
http://www.freddiemac.com/about/covid-19.html
https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/covid-19.html
Continuing Your Career Search - SCO Placement Service and HCPE Resources
updated 3/27/20
If you are seeking employment, or will have a future opening for an associate, the HCPE is here to assist you with our Placement Service as well as a list of outside professional opportunities resources The following links will direct you to each service. If you have questions or experience any issues, please contact Mike McKeever at [email protected].
https://www.sco.edu/placement
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2330/resources_for_professional_opporunities.pdf
Tips For Working From Home
updated 3/27/20
During this time of change and uncertainty, many will find themselves working from home for an extended period time. This is a big adjustment that comes with its own set of challenges. The following links will provide some useful and fun information for adjusting to the ‘home office’
https://dailymemphian.com/section/coronavirus/article/12160/jennifer-biggs-coronavirus-pandemic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sMXJZ1Wsuk&t=80s
How Are You Doing During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
updated 3/27/20
With the current situation, and a good many unknowns, it is easy to find yourself in a funk – or worse to begin to suffer from stress, anxiety, or depression. It is important to try and stay calm, take a deep breath, and follow the guidelines of the CDC and the medical community. Stay home unless going out for essentials, develop a routine, try to get some fresh air and exercise while maintaining social distancing, eat healthy, and keep in contact with friends and loved ones.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2020/03/24/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-according-to-psychologists/
The HCPE Is Here To Assist You!
updated 3/27/20
If you have specific questions, concerns, or just need someone to lend an understanding ear, the HCPE at SCO is here to help you. Please reach out at any time to Dr. Lisa Wade, [email protected], or Mr. Mike McKeever, [email protected].
Miscellaneous Resources
updated 3/27/20
Facebook Business Resource Hub
https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/resource