Programs are advised to continue to follow the guidance offered by their institutional administration, as well as that from the World Health Organizationopens in new window, the U.S. Center for Disease Controlopens in new window, and the state and local health departments in the program’s location in regard to maintaining operations in a manner that reduces risk of exposure to COVID-19. In addition, the office of post-secondary education of the U.S. Department of Education has provided guidance for programsopens in new window that allows flexibility in the methods by which students may continue their education.
The CoA supports programs in their efforts to determine the best ways for students and trainees to successfully develop knowledge and competencies in accord with program requirements during the pandemic. Telesupervision, telepractice, and distance education delivery are not prohibited; the CoA recognizes that a temporary transition to these methods during the present time may be necessary. If in-person coursework or clinical practice experiences are disrupted, flexibility in the use of these distance practices as part of a program’s plan to continue education and training during the COVID-19 pandemic is appropriate. Requirements for the use of these three distance education methods, when implemented as part of a regular educational delivery method, are described in the CoA Implementing Regulationsopens in new window for the Standards of Accreditation (SoA).
Regarding site visits, the U.S. Department of Education’s provided guidanceopens in new window allows some flexibility in procedures, including virtual site visits through December 31, 2020. While federal law requires an in-person site visit, this may be done secondarily to verify that which is learned virtually. The CoA is currently exploring methods, logistics, and feasibility for conducting site visits remotely; including training, personnel, equipment, privacy, and acceptability. More information on virtual site visiting will become available on the OPCA website as it is developed.
The CoA currently defines temporary changes as short-term program modifications implemented to minimize COVID-19 exposure through the end of 2020. The CoA will continue to evaluate whether flexibility in the expanded use of distance practices and other COVID-19-related program changes are appropriate beyond Dec. 31, 2020, and will provide updates as available.
The OPCA has updated its FAQ pageopens in new window to address programs’ concerns regarding operation during COVID-19.