FILING CAPTION: To slow spread of novel coronavirus, licensees can get required continuing education through remote means.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 03/18/2020 THROUGH 09/13/2020
AGENCY APPROVED DATE: 03/18/2020
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CONTACT: Anne Thompson |
1430 Tandem Ave. NE Suite 180 |
Filed By: |
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503-373-1904 |
Salem,OR 97301 |
Anne Thompson |
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anne.p.thompson@state.or.us |
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Rules Coordinator |
NEED FOR THE RULE(S):
On March 8, 2020, the Oregon Governor declared an emergency under ORS 401.165 et seq. due to the public health threat posed by the novel infectious coronavirus (COVID-19). Social distancing is being used in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus; the temporary rule allows licensees and registrants to acquire required continuing education through remote means.
JUSTIFICATION OF TEMPORARY FILING:
Licensees risk being exposed to the novel infectious coronavirus (COVID-19) and also violating requirements under the Oregon Governor's state of emergency, which limits gatherings of more than 25 people. Violating the executive order is a misdemeanor, as social distancing is the only weapon against the virus - there is no vaccine or anti-viral medicine available.
When the virus spreads, everyone suffers. This rule will ease the impact of this emergency on licensees. Some other reasons for the rule include:
The uncertainty of when in-person education opportunities will be available; it is uncertain whether that or a similar group-size prohibition will be extended, and it is uncertain how long the various industries and professions will need to recover from the economic impact of this and various prohibitions that could inhibit educational opportunities;
(2) Oregon's response to COVID-19 is evolving quickly;
(3) we are still learning about transmission methods and other aspects of COVID-19.
DOCUMENTS RELIED UPON, AND WHERE THEY ARE AVAILABLE:
2019 Oregon Revised Statutes; they are available through the Oregon Legislature and the Health Licensing Office.