Covid 19 Update for Massage Professionals

https://www.abmp.com/covid-updates

Can I work? Should I work? 
On March 16, 2020, ABMP issued a statement strongly encouraging all massage and bodywork practitioners to suspend practice, as social distancing is not feasible in massage. Renowned pathology expert Ruth Werner also called for a suspension of massage work. Read the full statements. 

Furthermore, many local municipalities and states have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders that require massage therapists to suspend work. Read more regarding state updates.

If my state issues a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order, what happens if I continue to work?
Your liability insurance policy is only valid if you are in compliance with your state’s regulations. If you are no longer authorized to work per regional orders, you are likely not in compliance with your state regulations and therefore your insurance would not be valid.

Can I perform massage if I have a home office?
If your profession has been ordered to suspend, it doesn’t matter where you are working. If you continue to work, this could now be considered an illegal act, in which case the insurance would not be valid. These decisions are the responsibility of local and federal authorities, not ABMP. Check here for state updates. 

Is my job as a massage therapist considered “essential”?
ABMP does not determine whether massage is essential or nonessential; that is a decision made by local and federal authorities. Check here for state updates. 
 
Are virtual sessions included in my liability insurance policy?
Your liability insurance policy is valid with virtual sessions under the following circumstances:

• The client must be located in the same state that the practitioner is legally allowed to practice in;
• For new clients, the practitioner must do a full intake form;
• The practitioner must be able to see the client as they are virtually working with her/him;
• The sessions are live and not prerecorded;
• Policy language applies (exclusions, etc.). The practitioner must be within scope of practice.

Does my policy cover me for being out of work (business interruption)?
Your liability insurance policy does not cover business interruption. The “Loss of Earnings” clause in the policy specifically pertains to a member being reimbursed if they are required to take time away from their practice because of a lawsuit against them that is covered under the policy.

Can I apply for unemployment benefits or financial help?
Yes, we believe the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) issued March 27, 2020, allows massage therapists to file for unemployment benefits. Under the CARES Act, unemployment insurance benefits will temporarily be available to “an eligible self-employed individual” . . . “an individual who regularly carries on any trade or business.” It appears that this expanded eligibility applies to individuals who work “part-time,” a government definition that would cover a large proportion of massage therapists, estheticians, hair stylists, and nail professionals. You have to take the initiative to apply for unemployment insurance. 

Learn about unemployment benefits in your states. Be aware that states are working to create the policy and processes for self-employed unemployment as of April 1, 2020. It is expected be online in all states no later than April 10, 2020. Many members are sharing their individual application experiences and information on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abmppage.