WASHINGTON — Psychologists caring for people with COVID-19 are listed as essential workers by the federal government, yet they are unable to register to purchase professional-use only personal protective equipment through Amazon Business, according to the American Psychological Association.
That’s why APA has sent a letter (PDF, 56KB)opens in new window to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos asking that this oversight be corrected.
“[C]linical psychologists work in all health care treatment settings, directing and delivering the provision of essential mental health services including psychotherapy, psychological and neuropsychological testing, and health behavior assessment and intervention services,” APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, said in the letter. “The work that psychologists do is critically important during the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
The letter notes that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidance in March to other government agencies and the private sector defining “essential critical infrastructure workers” during the COVID-19 pandemic, to promote community and national resilience. The guidance lists psychologists as essential caregivers within the health care workforce, alongside nurses, physicians, infection control personnel and others. Additionally, Congress included clinical psychologists as eligible for assistance under the health care provider relief fund established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act enacted earlier this year.
“Clinical psychologists are essential to our nation’s mental health during this crisis,” Evans wrote. “I urge Amazon Business to recognize this by including them as eligible license holders for purposes of purchasing professional-use personal protective equipment (PPE).”