Some states are issuing temporary licenses for out-of-state nurses or other medical professionals to help increase staffing levels amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six such examples from the past week:
1. Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp on March 13 said the state's nursing board will grant temporary licenses for nurses from other states, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
2. South Carolina on March 14 permitted its medical board to expedite temporary licenses for out-of-state physicians, physician assistants and respiratory care practitioners within 24 hours. The state's nursing board may also grant temporary licenses for advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses from states that don't participate in the Nursing Licensure Compact.
3. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on March 14 fast-tracked approval of temporary licenses for out-of-state physicians and nurses.
4. Tennessee on March 12 permitted licensed health professionals from other states to practice without pursuing a state license, reports NewsChannel 5 Nashville.5. South Carolina's medical board on March 14 said it would grant temporary licenses for physicians, PAs and respiratory care practitioners. The state's board of nursing will also permit temporary licenses for RNs and LPNs, reports WSOC-TV.
6. Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little issued an emergency declaration March 13, which allows state licencing agencies to implement temporary rules or waive licensing requirements as needed, reports BoiseDev.