Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation March 25 that extends temporary professional licenses of physicians, nurses and other professionals who have worked in the state during the pandemic.
The legislation means the healthcare workers will still have a valid license if Arizona ends the COVID-19 public health emergency originally issued in March 2020. In part, the emergency order relaxed licensing requirements.
"Whether they just graduated with their healthcare degrees, returned to the workforce or came from another state, these caretakers and everyday heroes stepped up. Today's common-sense legislation ensures more nurses and healthcare workers remain employed and means more of our hospitals and other health care facilities keep their staff," Mr. Ducey said in a March 25 news release.
Under the legislation, temporary licenses are extended until Jan. 1, 2023, to give licensing boards time to process full licenses or reissue licenses, according to the release.
More than 2,000 healthcare workers have a temporary license, including 1,200 nurses.