Coronavirus COVID-19 Resources

New! COVID-19 Vaccines

• Pharmacy Support of Vaccination: Pharmacy Organizations Welcome FDA Authorization of COVID Vaccine: “We Stand Ready to Serve”
• Podcast on Ethical Issues with Vaccines: CPNP Member Justin Cole shared his organization’s efforts to assist people working through the ethical concerns about the vaccines at https://share.transistor.fm/s/af9bcf2f.
• National Institues of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Tip Sheet
• National Institues of Health COVID-19 Communication Report
• Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Overview: This video was created by CPNP member Steve Saklad, PharmD, BCPP, UT Health San Antonio, as a means to present information on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT-162b2) for non-healthcare professional staff at San Antonio State Hospital. The goal is to encourage vaccination. Download the presentation slides as PDF.

CPNP and Other Association Actions

• CPNP Joins Pharmacy Community in Recommending Inclusion of Pharmacists and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act in COVID-19 legislation
• Pharmacist Advocacy Groups Call for New Action to Enhance COVID-19 Patient Care
  
  Pharmacy organizations representing the interests of all pharmacists in the United States have released a joint set of policy recommendations critical to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
• APhA House of Delegates 2020: CPNP members Julie Dopheide and Sarah Melton represented APhA at the first ever virtual APhA House of Delegates (HOD) meeting due to the cancellation of the APhA Annual Meeting. The HOD addressed a number of COVID-19 pandemic emergency measures as summarized online. Added 3/24/20
• CPNP Hosts Telepsychiatry Webinar
  In this webinar, Jeff Gold, PharmD, BCPP, discusses how to safely and effectively provide telepsychiatric services, what to do in a crisis or emergency, technology issues, legal issues, and, telehealth etiquette. Added 3/25/20
• AMA, APhA, ASHP Issue Joint Statement About COVID-19 Medications
  The organizations issued the joint statement to highlight the important role that physicians, pharmacists and health systems play in being just stewards of health care resources during times of emergency and national disaster. Added 3/26/20
• BPS Extends the Spring Examination Testing Window
  
  The April-May 2020 Testing Window has been extended through June 30, 2020 as testing centers are closed through April 15, 2020 due to COVID-19. Additional information regarding exam cancelations and testing windows can be found in the BPS press release. Added 3/27/20
• Relax Pharmacy Regulations to Help with COVID-19 Testing and Treatment
  
  This special edition policy brief is intended to promote effective ideas among key decision-makers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Added 4/1/20
• American Epilepsy Society (AES) Makes Statement on Therapeutic Substitution of Medications
  AES is encouraging pharmacists to to contact an epilepsy patient’s prescriber prior to making therapeutic substitutions of anti-seizure medications. Added 4/6/20
  • ​AES recommends considerations for ensuring medications are appropriately managed for patients with epilepsy during COVID-19 Added 4/10/20
  • AES provides suggestions to help in management of patients with epilepsy by better engagement of a pharmacist in the care team Added 4/10/20
• CPNP Joins Fellow Pharmacy Associations in Medicare Testing Support Letter
  CPNP joined 12 other national pharmacy associations in submitting a joint letter to Senate and House leaders encouraging the establishment of pharmacists as providers within Medicare Part B to provide COVID-19 and flu testing on an emergency basis. Added 4/8/2020
• CPNP Joins Fellow Pharmacy Associations in HHS Letter Requesting Meeting to Discuss Testing Guidance Implementation for Pharmacist COVID-19 Response: April 17, 2020
• CPNP Joins MHLG Coalition Urging Policymakers to Cover Telehealth Services: April 24, 2020
• CPNP Joins 11 National Pharmacy Organizations in HHS Letter on COVID Testing Payment: May 8, 2020
• CPNP Joins Fellow Pharmacy Associations in Recommending Inclusion of Pharmacists in Student Loan Forgiveness: May 8, 2020
• CPNP Joins Pharmacy Organizations Requesting HHS Authorize Pharmacists to Order and Administer Approved COVID-19 Vaccines: June 29, 2020

Monitoring the Pandemic

• Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center
  Dynamic website to help advance public and policymaker understanding of the virus. Includes a number of resources and tools such as an interactive map, daily updates, COVID-19 basics, answers to frequently asked questions.
• CDC – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  Includes several resources for healthcare professionals and the community for monitoring and responding to the pandemic.
• COVID-19 Trial Tracker
  WCG has created a COVID-19 Clinical Trial Tracker to monitor the progress of the virus and of research into a treatment and/or vaccine. It also provides links to information about pausing, stopping or remotely running non-coronavirus trials. Added 4/7/20

Provision of Care in a Pandemic

• American Psychiatric Association: COVID-19 Mental Health Impacts: Resources for Psychiatrists
  List of resources for mental health providers (and families) on a variety of topics related to COVID-19 including “Supporting the Mental Health of Patients During COVID-19: A Guide for Healthcare Personnel.
• National Council for Behavioral Health Resources and Tools for Addressing Coronavirus
  Includes various links and resources for Behavioral Health Organizations as well as links to resources to help patients such as ways to decrease anxiety regarding coronavirus.
• WHO Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak
  March 12th guidance from WHO regarding targeting different groups to support during the outbreak including healthcare workers, children, team leaders, and people in isolation.
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Coronavirus Resources
  Comprehensive list of guidance and resources impacting provision of addiction treatment in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to national guidance (eg, DEA, CMS, NIDA) and select state guidance.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): COVID-19 Potential Implications for Individuals with SUDs
  COVID-19 could hit some populations with substance use disorders (SUDs) particularly hard.
• ASAM Updated National Practice Guideline for Treating Opioid Use Disorder
  The latest evidence-based approaches for clinicians to treat individuals living with OUD, including special populations, and suggests regulatory flexibility is needed to expand access to care—which is especially critical during the ongoing coronavirus emergency actions.
• Considerations for giving LAIs from SMI Adviser
  SMI Adviser provides clinical considerations for giving LAIs during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Added 3/30/20
• FDA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
  The FDA announces actions taken in its ongoing response effort to the COVID-19 pandemic. Added 4/1/20
• HHS Statements on Authorizing Licensed Pharmacists to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests
  New guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests. Added 4/9/20
• CDC Guidance: Considerations for Pharmacies during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  This guidance applies to all pharmacy staff to minimize their risk of exposure to the virus and reduce the risk for customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Added 4/15/20
• DEA Allows Controlled Substance Prescriptions to Be Issued Via Telemedicine
  For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the DEA is permitting prescribers to issue controlled substance prescriptions based on a telemedicine encounter. Added 4/16/20
• Office of National Drug Control Policy COVID-19 Fact Sheet
  This ONDCP Coronavirus Fact Sheet summarizes the actions of various federal agencies related to COVID-19. Added 4/17/20
• COVID-19 Workforce Virtual Toolkit: Resources for Healthcare Decision-Makers Responding to COVID-19 Workforce Concerns
  Provides links to tools and resource collections relating to federal regulatory and funding flexibilities, licensure and scope of practice expansions, liability protections, workforce resilience and protection, and COVID-19-related training resources. Added 5/5/20/20
• CDC guidance to pharmacies and pharmacy personnel
  Guidance for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in community pharmacies during the COVID-19 Response. Added 5/30/20
• Neuro/psych complications of COVID-19
  More is now known about the serious psychiatric and neurological complications tied to Covid-19. A cross-specialty surveillance study of acute neurological and psychiatric complications of COVID-19 found that complications include strokes, psychosis and a dementia-like syndrome, according to research published in Lancet Psychiatry. These diagnoses often occur in younger patients. Added 7/28/20
• COVID-19 policy recommendations for OUD, pain, harm reduction
  Policy recommendations to help states and others with specific policy recommendations amid the COVID-19 global outbreak. Added 8/9/20

Provision of Care-SAMHSA COVID Resources

• Provision of methadone and buprenorphine for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in the COVID-19 emergency
  Includes information for opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and links on instances where telehealth may be used, guidance on increased amounts of take home medication in certain instances, and other helpful information to provide care during this emergency. Added 3/23/20
• SAMHSA COVID-19 Guidance for Opioid Treatment Programs
  Provides detailed guidance for Opioid Treatment Programs for providing essential pharmacotherapy during an outbreak.
• SAMHSA COVID-19  Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance
  Guidance to ensure that substance use disorder treatment services are uninterrupted during this public health emergency.
• SAMHSA FAQs for Opioid Use Disorder Prescribing and Dispensing in the COVID-19 Emergency
  SAMHSA is providing updates to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the provision of methadone and buprenorphine for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder for new and existing patients. Added 3/31/20
• SAMHSA Resources and Information
  Guidance and resources from SAMHSA to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states. Added 4/6/20
• SAMHSA Executive Order Saving Lives Through Increased Support for Mental and Behavioral Health Needs Report
  Outlines a plan to address the mental and behavioral health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that is anticipated to continue worsening and have a long-term impact on the entire population. Added 12/29/20

Provision of Care-CMS Resources

• CMS COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet (waivers)
  Includes descriptions of various regulatory waivers available because of the emergency declaration including “Care for Excluded Inpatient Psychiatric Unit Patients in the Acute Care Unit of a Hospital”
• CMS Sweeping Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge
  The actions announced today introduce flexibilities to permit hospitals and healthcare systems to act as coordinators of healthcare delivery in their areas. Added 3/31/20
• CMS Coronavirus Waivers & Flexibilities
  CMS provides information on new waivers, blanket waivers, state-specific waivers, and more. Added 3/31/20
• New Video Available on Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services
  CMS released a video providing answers to common questions about the Medicare telehealth services benefit. CMS is expanding this benefit on a temporary and emergency basis under the 1135 waiver authority and Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. Added 4/7/20
• Trump Administration Issues Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Support U.S. Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic
  Regulatory waivers and rule changes to deliver expanded care to the nation’s seniors and provide flexibility to the healthcare system. Added 4/30/20
• COVID-19 Testing Technical Assistance
  CMS guidance on how pharmacies and other suppliers currently enrolled in Medicare may also enroll temporarily as independent clinical diagnostic laboratories. Added 5/11/20
• CMS Announces 11 New Medicare Telehealth Services
  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced an expansion of its telehealth services list for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). CMS added 11 new services to its telehealth list, allowing for more rehabilitation services and neurostimulator analysis. The telehealth list now includes 249 different codes, including 146 that have been added temporarily. CMS also released a data snapshot on telehealth use - according to CMS, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries received over 34.5 million telehealth services between March and June 2020, a 2,600% increase over last year. Added 10/25/20

Telehealth Resources

• Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider Fact Sheet
  Explains Medicare coverage and payment of virtual services. Added 4/7/20
• COVID-19 Telehealth Toolkit to Accelerate State Use of Telehealth in Medicaid and CHIP
  This toolkit will help states identify and address barriers to telehealth coverage during emergency. Added 4/23/20/20
• New and Expanded Flexibilities for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) MLN Matters Article
  Learn new information on billing for distant site telehealth services during the COVID-19 PHE. Added 4/30/20
• The Evidence Base for Telehealth: Reassurance in the Face of Rapid Expansion During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  A White Paper Commentary on an AHRQ Evidence Report. Added 5/15/20
• Telehealth Resources
  Provides information about the latest federal efforts to support and promote telehealth services, as well as helpful information about telemedicine and links to tools and resources for practitioners. Accompanying the release, the Surgeon General released a blog directed to healthcare providers, urging them to join the telehealth revolution.

Clozapine

• FDA guidance on REMS requirements during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  Contains guidance from FDA multiple items related to REMS programs during the COVID-19 emergency including on use of professional judgment in prescribing or dispensing in the absence of lab work. Added 3/23/20
• Consensus statement on the use of clozapine during the COVID-19 pandemic
  An expert advisory group provides recommendations and rationale as a consensus statement regarding clozapine prescribing. Added 4/6/20
• Clinical Guidance on Clozapine Prescribing from the MGH-McLean-NSMHA Clozapine Working Group
  Clinical guidance for clinicians and pharmacists for clozapine dispensing during the COVID-19 public PHE which is in accordance with the spirit of the FDA guidance and which will be in effect for the duration of the PHE. Added 4/6/20

Patient Resources

• NAMI Updates On The Coronavirus
  Includes tips for people with mental illness as well as NAMI HelpLine Information and a Resources Guide with a number questions/answers and links to provide guidance for patients struggling with various challenges.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress network Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
  Contains a factsheet with helpful information for parents/caregivers with sections such as table outlining various reactions based on age group and specific ways to help.
• CDC – Managing Anxiety and Stress
  Has a variety of information and guidance on decreasing stress and anxiety during an outbreak/disaster with specific sections different groups including parents. Also includes additional link’s to SAMHSA information on similar topics and SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Resources
  Tips For Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation During An Infectious Disease Outbreak
• NIDA COVID-19 Resources
  NIDA has created a webpage compiling COVID-19 resources relevant to the substance use community, including researchers, healthcare providers, and persons with substance use disorders and those in recovery. Added 3/23/20
• COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub
  A free resource hub to help people address mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Added 4/10/20
• How to Prepare for a Video Appointment
  A simple tip sheet from SMI Adviser to get ready for your next telehealth appointment. Added 4/10/20
• Resources on COVID-19 and Social Isolation/Loneliness
  The Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness offers resources to support efforts to reduce social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources include ways to safely help elderly people, taking care of your own behavioral health, and more. Added 4/10/20
• ASHP's Interactive Handbook on Injectable Drugs
  The multiple drug compatibility search feature is designed to facilitate searching for compatibility information on a number of two-drug or drug-solution combination at one time. Added 4/17/20

Other Resources and Links of Interest

• AMA COVID-19 resource center
  Contains updates from the American Medical Association with helpful information such as links to new webinars on COVID-19, guidance, and frequently asked questions.
• NEJM articles related to COVID-19
  A collection of articles and other resources on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, including clinical reports, management guidelines, and commentary.
• Wolters Kluwer Resources and Tools
  Updates and resources available - at no charge - for clinicians, nurses and medical researchers, in response to new developments, evidence and guidance.
• PCSS Resources
  CPNP partner, Providers Clinical Support System, is providing resources designed to assist you in treating substance use disorders and opioid use disorder, Not all resources are directly related to COVID19, but are trainings that you may find useful, such as Stress, Relaxation, and Mindful Breathing: A Primer and Supporting Providers After Overdose Death. Added 3/25/20
• American Medical Association (AMA) resources for health care leadership
  The AMA has developed a list of practical strategies for health system leadership to consider as they try to support their care teams during COVID-19. The areas range from child and pet care to food delivery. Several relate to workforce distribution leveraging the skills of the entire team. Added 3/31/20
• National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Resources to Support the Health and Well-Being of Clinicians During COVID-19
  NAM has compiled resources to offer more information on how to support the health and well-being of clinicians during public health emergencies. Added 3/31/20

Research

• International Brain Study: SARS-CoV-2 Impact on Behavior and Cognition
  Scientific leaders are working together with technical guidance from WHO to track the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 (also known as novel coronavirus, COVID-19) on the brain. Added 8/6/20

If you believe there is a resource missing that would benefit psychiatric pharmacists or their patients, please email a link and description to info@cpnp.org.