The Trump administration and state and local governments are wisely suspending regulations to help fight the coronavirus.

Many of these rules and regulations were not necessary in the first place, given their tendency to reduce innovation and access to care, not to mention their restriction on American liberty.

Below is a list of suspended rules and regulations, starting with federal waivers, followed by state and local waivers. If you have another example to add, please send it to ideas@atr.org

Suspended federal rules and regulations:

All heads of federal agencies directed to review regulatory standards that have temporarily been rescinded, suspended, modified, or waived during the COVID-19 response and determine which of these should be made permanent

"The heads of all agencies shall review any regulatory standards they have temporarily rescinded, suspended, modified, or waived during the public health emergency, any such actions they take pursuant to section 4 of this order, and other regulatory flexibilities they have implemented in response to COVID-19, whether before or after issuance of this order, and determine which, if any, would promote economic recovery if made permanent, insofar as doing so is consistent with the policy considerations identified in section 1 of this order, and report the results of such review to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy." - The White House (5/19/2020)

All heads of federal agencies directed to identify rules inhibiting economic recovery and consider temporarily or permanently rescinding, modifying, waiving, or exempting persons/entities from those requirements

"The heads of all agencies shall identify regulatory standards that may inhibit economic recovery and shall consider taking appropriate action, consistent with applicable law, including by issuing proposed rules as necessary, to temporarily or permanently rescind, modify, waive, or exempt persons or entities from those requirements, and to consider exercising appropriate temporary enforcement discretion or appropriate temporary extensions of time as provided for in enforceable agreements with respect to those requirements, for the purpose of promoting job creation and economic growth, insofar as doing so is consistent with the law and with the policy considerations identified in section 1 of this order." - The White House (5/19/2020)

All heads of federal agencies directed to accelerate procedures by which a regulated person/entity may receive a pre-enforcement ruling

"The heads of all agencies, excluding the Department of Justice, shall accelerate procedures by which a regulated person or entity may receive a pre-enforcement ruling under Executive Order 13892 with respect to whether proposed conduct in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including any response to legislative or executive economic stimulus actions, is consistent with statutes and regulations administered by the agency, insofar as doing so is consistent with the law and with the policy considerations identified in section 1 of this order." - The White House (5/19/2020)

FDA allows state leeway in virus testing 

"The FDA will allow states to take responsibility for tests developed and used by laboratories within their borders. The labs will not have to pursue Emergency Use Authorization from the agency, an emergency clearance that is normally required." - STAT News (3/16/20)

FDA loosens regulations on distribution of newly developed tests    

"Under certain circumstances, the agency will not object to any manufacturers that distribute newly developed tests before the FDA grants emergency clearance, and a similar stance will be taken toward labs that use these new tests." - STAT News (3/16/20)

EPA easing enforcement of environmental legal obligations

"The EPA will exercise the enforcement discretion specified below for noncompliance covered by this temporary policy and resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic...

The consequences of the pandemic may affect facility operations and the availability of key staff and contractors and the ability of laboratories to timely analyze samples and provide results. As a result, there may be constraints on the ability of a facility or laboratory to carry out certain activities required by our federal environmental permits, regulations, and statutes. These consequences may affect reporting obligations and milestones set forth in settlements and consent decrees. Finally, these consequences may affect the ability of an operation to meet enforceable limitations on air emissions and water discharges, requirements for the management of hazardous waste, or requirements to ensure and provide safe drinking water... The enforcement discretion described in this temporary policy do not apply to any criminal violations or conditions of probation in criminal sentences. Appropriate consideration of potential criminal liability is discussed separately." - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (3/26/20)

FDA issues emergency authorizations for several COVID-19 tests

"The CDC has granted a right of reference to the performance data contained in CDC's EUA request (FDA submission number EUA200001) to any entity seeking an FDA EUA for a COVID-19 diagnostic device."

So far, they have has issued dozens (and counting) emergency authorizations for COVID-19 tests. This includes Abbott Laboratories' portable coronavirus test. Follow the link here to find the list. - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2/29/20 - Present)

FDA issues emergency authorizations for several serological (antibody) tests

"We continue to provide the opportunity for interested developers to request FDA authorization through the emergency use authorization (EUA) process. To date, we have already issued four EUAs for serological tests, and we expect that number to continue to grow in the coming weeks." - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (4/18/20)

DOT provides hours-of-service regulatory relief to commercial vehicle drivers transporting emergency relief  

"This deregulatory action will allow greater flexibility for truck drivers transporting goods such as necessary medical supplies, testing equipment, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and food required for emergency restocking of stores." - Americans for Tax Reform (3/16/20)

Not all test kits required to be sent to a CDC lab    

"The administration removed a regulation that required all test kits to be sent to a CDC lab to be confirmed by federal authorities, a process that extended the wait times for patients to be notified about their results."  - Washington Examiner (3/13/20)

Allowance of licensed health care professionals to work in a different state from which they are licensed

The "requirements that physicians or other health care professionals hold licenses in the State in which they provide services, if they have an equivalent license from another State (and are not affirmatively barred from practice in that State or any State a part of which is included in the emergency area)" are being waived. - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (3/13/20)

TSA allowing hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces    

"TSA is allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that these containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids permitted through a checkpoint will need to be screened separately..." - Transportation Security Administration (3/13/20)

Loosening HIPAA requirements in order to expand telemedicine

In order to allow patients to more easily communicate with their providers, the Administration loosened the HIPAA requirements surrounding telemedicine. This important change allows doctors to see patients via commonly used apps like FaceTime and Skype that were previously non-HIPAA compliant. - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (3/17/20) 

Allowing out-of-state doctors to treat patients through telehealth    

"HHS Secretary Alex Azar waive certain laws to expand the use of telehealth, which public health experts say can help reduce risk of transmission. The new order appears to let Azar waive federal licensing requirements so out-of-state doctors can treat patients virtually in states with the greatest need." - Politico (3/13/20)  

Easing restrictions on online courses at colleges and universities

The Department of Education has moved to ease rules on colleges and universities who are shifting their classes online. There are a collection of rules being eased, not enforced. - Office of Postsecondary Education (3/5/20) 

Allowing distilled spirits permittees (DSPs) to produce hand sanitizer    

"Due to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Acting Administrator of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has found that it is necessary or desirable to waive provisions of internal revenue law with regard to distilled spirits, and therefore is providing certain exemptions and authorizations to distilled spirits permittees who wish to produce ethanol-based hand sanitizers to address the demand for such products during this emergency." - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (3/18/20)

The Small Business Administration relaxed criteria for disaster assistance loans, expanding small businesses’ access to economic assistance

"Faster, Easier Qualification Process for States Seeking SBA Disaster Assistance. Historically, the SBA has required that any state or territory impacted by disaster provide documentation certifying that at least five small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a disaster, with at least one business located in each declared county/parish. Under the just-released, revised criteria, states or territories are only required to certify that at least five small businesses within the state/territory have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of where those businesses are located." - Small Business Administration (3/17/20)

Tax deadline extended until July by the IRS

The Trump Administration has extended the tax deadline to allow more flexibility in filing during this chaotic time. Americans for Tax Reform still recommends that taxpayers file their returns as soon as possible. Most taxpayers get refunds, in total amounting to about $50B in refunds that could be injected into the economy now. Taxpayers should be encouraged to file their returns as soon as possible to get refunds NOW to help them recover.

"Income tax payment deadlines for individual returns, with a due date of April 15, 2020, are being automatically extended until July 15, 2020, for up to $1 million of their 2019 tax due."  - Internal Revenue Service (3/18/20)

FDA eases rules to increase ventilator production

"First, the guidance describes the agency’s intention to exercise enforcement discretion for certain modifications to these FDA-cleared devices. Normally, any time a manufacturer or user makes a modification to a ventilator device, for instance, adding wireless and/or Bluetooth capability for remote monitoring, those modifications can often trigger an FDA premarket review, which can delay the time it takes to get these devices to the bedside. The guidance also helps manufacturers ramp up their manufacturing by adding production lines or alternative sites, for instance, using non-medical device manufacturers such as automobile manufacturers, to start manufacturing ventilator parts....Second, as outlined in this guidance, hospitals and health care professionals may use ventilators intended for other environments... Finally, the agency encourages manufacturers, whether foreign or domestic, to talk to FDA about pursuing an emergency use authorization (EUA), which would allow them to distribute their ventilators in the United States." - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (3/22/20)

Puerto Rico and other territories allowed to acquire protective equipment (like masks) from non-U.S. sources

"Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gave Puerto Rico and other territories the discretion to acquire personal protective equipment from non-U.S. sources… Previously, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia were obliged to purchase only U.S.-made personal protective equipment in accordance with the Buy American Act." - Reason (3/24/20)

FCC lends wireless internet service providers 5.9 GHz Spectrum to help them serve rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic

"The 60-day grant of special temporary authority (STA) for use of the lower 45 MHz of the band is to help them serve rural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FCC said the grants will help with telehealth, distance learning and telework in rural communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia." - Multichannel News (3/27/20)

Allows local ambulatory surgery centers to provide hospital services, helping those who need cancer procedures, trauma surgeries, and other essential surgeries receive care while elective surgeries are canceled

"CMS will allow communities to take advantage of local ambulatory surgery centers that have canceled elective surgeries, per federal recommendations. Surgery centers can contract with local healthcare systems to provide hospital services, or they can enroll and bill as hospitals during the emergency declaration as long as they are not inconsistent with their State’s Emergency Preparedness or Pandemic Plan. The new flexibilities will also leverage these types of sites to decant services typically provided by hospitals such as cancer procedures, trauma surgeries and other essential surgeries." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows non-hospital buildings and spaces to be used for patient care and quarantine sites

"CMS will now temporarily permit non-hospital buildings and spaces to be used for patient care and quarantine sites, provided that the location is approved by the State and ensures the safety and comfort of patients and staff. This will expand the capacity of communities to develop a system of care that safely treats patients without COVID-19, and isolate and treat patients with COVID-19." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows hospitals, laboratories, and other entities to perform tests for COVID-19 on people at home, in other community-based settings outside of the hospital, and, for emergency departments, at drive-through and off-campus test sites

"CMS will allow hospitals, laboratories, and other entities to perform tests for COVID-19 on people at home and in other community-based settings outside of the hospital. This will both increase access to testing and reduce risks of exposure. The new guidance allows healthcare systems, hospitals, and communities to set up testing sites exclusively for the purpose of identifying COVID-19-positive patients in a safe environment. In addition, CMS will allow hospital emergency departments to test and screen patients for COVID-19 at drive-through and off-campus test sites." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows ambulances to transport patients to a wider range of locations

"During the public health emergency, ambulances can transport patients to a wider range of locations when other transportation is not medically appropriate. These destinations include community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), physician’s offices, urgent care facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, and any locations furnishing dialysis services when an ESRD facility is not available." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Physician-owned hospitals can temporarily increase the number of their licensed beds, operating rooms, and procedure rooms

"Physician-owned hospitals can temporarily increase the number of their licensed beds, operating rooms, and procedure rooms. For example, a physician-owned hospital may temporarily convert observation beds to inpatient beds to accommodate patient surge during the public health emergency." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Hospitals allowed to bill for services at off-site treatment

"In addition, hospitals can bill for services provided outside their four walls. Emergency departments of hospitals can use telehealth services to quickly assess patients to determine the most appropriate site of care, freeing emergency space for those that need it most. New rules ensure that patients can be screened at alternate treatment and testing sites which are not subject to the Emergency Medical Labor and Treatment Act (EMTALA) as long as the national emergency remains in force. This will allow hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs) to screen patients at a location offsite from the hospital’s campus to prevent the spread of COVID-19." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows hospitals and healthcare systems to increase their workforce capacity by removing barriers for physicians, nurses, and other clinicians to be readily hired from the local community

"Local private practice clinicians and their trained staff may be available for temporary employment since nonessential medical and surgical services are postponed during the public health emergency. CMS’s temporary requirements allow hospitals and healthcare systems to increase their workforce capacity by removing barriers for physicians, nurses, and other clinicians to be readily hired from the local community as well as those licensed from other states without violating Medicare rules." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows non-physician practitioners (physician assistants, nurse practitioners) a wider scope of practice, like ordering tests and medications

"CMS is issuing waivers so that hospitals can use other practitioners, such as physician assistants and nurse practitioners, to the fullest extent possible, in accordance with a state’s emergency preparedness or pandemic plan. These clinicians can perform services such as order tests and medications that may have previously required a physician’s order where this is permitted under state law." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Waives the requirement that certified registered nurse anesthetists be under the supervision of a physician

"CMS is waiving the requirements that a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is under the supervision of a physician. This will allow CRNAs to function to the fullest extent allowed by the state, and free up physicians from the supervisory requirement and expand the capacity of both CRNAs and physicians." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows hospitals to provide benefits and support to their medical staffs

"CMS also is issuing a blanket waiver to allow hospitals to provide benefits and support to their medical staffs, such as multiple daily meals, laundry service for personal clothing, or child care services while the physicians and other staff are at the hospital and engaging in activities that benefit the hospital and its patients." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Eliminating some paperwork requirements, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients

"CMS is temporarily eliminating paperwork requirements and allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients. Medicare will now cover respiratory-related devices and equipment for any medical reason determined by clinicians so that patients can get the care they need; previously Medicare only covered them under certain circumstances." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Hospitals not required to have written policies on processes and visitation of patients who are in COVID-19 isolations; will allow hospitals more time to provide patients and medical record

"During the public health emergency, hospitals will not be required to have written policies on processes and visitation of patients who are in COVID-19 isolation. Hospitals will also have more time to provide patients a copy of their medical record." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Providing temporary relief from many audit and reporting requirements

"CMS is providing temporary relief from many audit and reporting requirements so that providers, healthcare facilities, Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, and states can focus on providing needed care to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries affected by COVID-19." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows more services to be furnished via telehealth

"Building on prior action to expand reimbursement for telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries, CMS will now allow for more than 80 additional services to be furnished via telehealth. During the public health emergencies, individuals can use interactive apps with audio and video capabilities to visit with their clinician for an even broader range of services. Providers also can evaluate beneficiaries who have audio phones only." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Allows providers to bill for telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits

"Providers can bill for telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits. Telehealth visits include emergency department visits, initial nursing facility and discharge visits, home visits, and therapy services, which must be provided by a clinician that is allowed to provide telehealth. New as well as established patients now may stay at home and have a telehealth visit with their provider." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

Remote patient monitoring services can now be provided to those with only one disease

"CMS is making it clear that clinicians can provide remote patient monitoring services to patients with acute and chronic conditions, and can be provided for patients with only one disease. For example, remote patient monitoring can be used to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation levels using pulse oximetry." - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (3/30/20)

FDA issues emergency authorization of anti-malaria drug for coronavirus care

"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to BARDA to allow hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate products donated to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to be distributed and prescribed by doctors to hospitalized teen and adult patients with COVID-19, as appropriate, when a clinical trial is not available or feasible." - Department of Health and Human Services (3/29/20)

FDA Agrees to Extend Product Approval Deadlines for Electronic Cigarettes

"A Maryland federal judge on Friday said that he would grant a 120-day extension to the deadline for e-cigarette regulatory applications in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak that has strained U.S. Food and Drug Administration resources and disrupted supply chains.

Last week, the FDA asked the Fourth Circuit to extend the current May 12 deadline in light of the coronavirus outbreak, saying that many of the laboratories and research organizations conducting the clinical trials for the regulatory applications have shut down or otherwise halted in-person testing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic." - Law360 (4/6/20)

COVID-19 Meal Times Nationwide Waiver

"In accordance with the COVID–19 Child Nutrition Response Act, USDA has granted a nationwide waiver, waiving the meal service time requirement during this public health emergency. This waiver allows for the serving of meals outside of the standard meal times for the following child nutrition programs: National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program. FNS has provided this waiver to ensure children are still being fed, while still in support of social distancing recommendation." - U.S. Department of Agriculture (3/20/20)

COVID-19 Nationwide Waiver to Allow Parents and Guardians to Pick Up Meals for Children

"In accordance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, FNS has granted a nationwide waiver allowing parents and/or guardians to pick up meals for their children, without the student needing to be present. This waiver is in support of social distancing and minimizes the exposure of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is effective immediately, and remains in effect through June 30, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency, whichever is earlier." - U.S. Department of Agriculture (4/14/20)

Temporary waivers on observers, monitors for vessels in the Greater Atlantic Region

"Consistent with the agency's emergency rule on observer waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and under the authority granted to the Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator at 50 CFR 648.11(c), NOAA Fisheries is extending the waiver granted to vessels with Greater Atlantic Region fishing permits to carry human observers or at-sea monitors for an additional two weeks, through April 18, 2020. We will continue to evaluate the need for further extensions of this waiver on a weekly basis." - National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (4/2/20)

Authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests

"Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issued new guidance under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act authorizing licensed pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized." - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (4/8/20)

Waiving federal law that governs retired Veterans Affairs workers, making it easier to rehire retired VA health care workers

"The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved a request from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), March 19, to waive a section of federal law that governs retired VA workers. The waiver makes it easier for the department to rehire retired VA health care workers and will help VA health care facilities bolster their medical staffs during the COVID-19 pandemic. VA plans to use the waiver authority to begin hiring actions as early as this week, and the department is inviting interested retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists and other medical professionals to register online." - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (3/24/20)

Administration signed legislation removing restrictions that prevented manufacturers from selling industrial masks directly to hospitals

"New legislation signed Wednesday provides manufacturers of N95 face masks protection against lawsuits when selling certain masks to health-care workers, Pence said. That will free producers including 3M and Honeywell to sell tens of millions more masks per month to hospitals, Pence said, helping alleviate alarming shortages that have surfaced in recent weeks amid the coronavirus crisis." - Washington Post (3/19/20)

FDA outlines more efficient process for developers to receive agency feedback on their supporting data

"The first guidance, “COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: General Considerations for Pre-IND (Investigational New Drug application) Meeting Requests for COVID-19 Related Drugs and Biological Products,” outlines a more efficient process for developers to receive agency feedback on their supporting data with the goal of starting clinical trials as soon as possible. The FDA is committed to helping sponsors get potentially effective products into study quickly, while protecting the safety of patients. To that end, the guidance provides sponsors clarity on the types of data and information they should provide to address clinical, nonclinical and quality considerations before submitting an application to initiate studies." - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (5/11/2020)

Suspended state rules and regulations:

Alabama - Allowance for the curbside sale of alcoholic beverages

"Officials in Alabama have signed an emergency order to allow for the sale of alcoholic beverages curbside at licensed businesses in the state." - WBRC (3/17/20)

Alabama - Allows for prescriptions to be filled for longer than 30 days

"Due to the ongoing threat of coronavirus, the Alabama Board of Pharmacy is allowing pharmacists to process emergency refills on essential medications." - WHNT (3/16/20) 

Alabama - Temporary Suspension of Practice Agreement Ratio Limits and Reporting/Recordkeeping for Nurse Practitioners

"Licensed healthcare facility (LHF)-based NP practice allows collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer or designee, which may be in specific patient locations within the hospital such as Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit or elsewhere in the facility. Allows for the CMO or designee to have unlimited collaborations. A facility can have an unlimited number of CRNP/CNM. An application is not required as the LHF will perform record keeping for this. There is no fee associated with the LTF approval during this crisis period." - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (4/2/20)

Alabama - Expanding scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners

"NPs authorized to prescribe from a facility-approved formulary and perform all skills authorized in the facility protocols within the scope of the NP’s education and training. (controlled substance prescribing requires DEA registration through the ABME). The facility is authorized to develop related CRNP/CNM protocols supportive of patient care, based on the scope of practice for a CRNP/CNM." - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (4/2/20)

Alabama - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"To allow expedited licensures and/or temporary permits for the practice of pharmacy, nursing, and medicine in Alabama by individuals in possession of active, unencumbered licenses in other states…" - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (4/2/20)

Alabama - Suspending certificate of need laws for projects deemed necessary for fighting COVID-19

"The State Health Planning and Development Agency and, as appropriate, the Statewide Health Coordinating Council and the Certificate of Need Review Board, is hereby authorized and directed to promulgate emergency rules to provide for temporary waivers to the Certificate of Need process to permit new services, facilities, and other resources needed for the treatment of patients affected by... COVID-19... " - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (4/2/20)

Alabama - Allowing remote notarization

"Notaries in Alabama who are licensed attorneys or operating under the supervision of licensed attorneys may notarize signatures through videoconferencing programs and confirm the signatures of witnesses who participate virtually through videoconferencing as though they were physically present at the signing." - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (3/26/20)

Alabama - Extending tax deadlines

"I hereby delegate to the Commissioner of Revenue the authority to postpone the April 15, 2020, due date for the payment of the following state taxes until July 15, 2020 for any "person," as that term is defined in Ala. Code…" - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (3/26/20)

Alabama - Licensure period for emergency medical services personnel and provider services extended

"The licensure period applicable to emergency medical services personnel and provider services is hereby extended for the duration of the current state of emergency." - Office of Governor Kay Ivey (3/26/20)

Alaska - Suspending certain government fees and fines

"Suspends certain fees and fines within the Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Labor, Department of Revenue, Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Fish and Game through May 11, 2020 unless otherwise noted." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/1/20)

Alaska - Extending the tax deadline

Deferred tax filing deadline to April 10th, 2020. - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (3/31/20)

Alaska - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

Suspending several telehealth regulations to allow "phone consultations with another provider; to allow clinics to conduct assessments in ways other than face-to-face; to allow videoconferencing." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (3/31/20)

Alaska - Unapproved facilities may be used for patient care if approved facilities are not available

"To permit healthcare facilities to utilize space for patient care that may not have been designed and approved for such uses where approved facilities are not available due to surge in patients."- Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (3/31/20)

Alaska - Allowing the delivery and curbside pickup of alcohol

"Suspension of the statute only to the extent necessary to allow for: ( 1) curbside pickup of alcohol; and (2) delivery of beer and wine when included with an order of food being delivered by a licensed restaurant or eating place establishment." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/14/2020)

Alaska - Suspending certain EMT certification/recertification requirements

"To suspend in-person skills testing requirement for initial certification for EMTI, II, III, and AEMT (Advanced EMT). To suspend in-person skills testing requirement for CPR certification. To suspend EMT recertification deadline. To suspend in-person skills testing for CPR certification of EMTs. To suspend requirement that an EMT whose certification has been expired for one to three years must apply for recertification. To suspend the cap of a maximum of 24 hours of Continuing Medical Education hours delivered through distance education." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/9/2020)

Alaska - Suspending certificate of need laws for hospital beds

"To suspend the requirement to submit a certificate of need prior to temporarily increasing bed capacity." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/9/2020)

Alaska - Allowing family members to be paid for providing care

"To suspend prohibition against payment to family members providing care." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (3/31/2020)

Alaska - Suspending requirement that dependent children under 23 be attending an accredited educational or technical institution

"Limited suspension of requirement that dependent children under the age of 23 attend on a full-time basis an accredited educational or technical institution recognized by the Department of Education and Early Development." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/14/2020)

Alaska - Suspends prohibition on studded tires

"Suspends the prohibition of driving with studded tires from May 1 through September 15." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (3/31/2020)

Alaska - Suspending fees for facilities that have closed or are operating at reduced capacity

"To suspend fees for facilities that have closed, or are operating at reduced capacity, due to COVID-19 health mandates… To suspend collection of annual permit payments for facilities that have closed, or are operating at reduced capacity, due to due to COVID-19 health mandates." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/9/2020)

Alaska - Suspending teacher education requirements

"To suspend the requirement for current holders of a preliminary certificate to submit passing scores on a competency exam. To suspend the requirement for applicants for an initial certificate to submit passing scores on a competency exam. To suspend the requirement for the issuance of teacher certificates for the completion of the required three semester hours of Alaska studies and Alaska multicultural coursework. For initial teaching certificates, to suspend the requirements for the completion of the required three semester hours of Alaska studies and Alaska multicultural coursework." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/14/2020)

Alaska - Suspending minimum score requirements for standardized testing

"To remove requirement to achieve a minimum score on a standardized examination. To remove requirement to achieve minimum score on college entrance examination. To remove standardized examination scores from eligibility requirements for Alaska Performance Scholarship. To remove standardized examination score requirements from eligibility requirements for Alaska Performance Scholarship. To suspend requirement for certain nonpublic school students to submit to department documentation of standardized examination results." - Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy (4/9/2020)

Arizona - Expanding scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

"Governor Ducey notified the Center For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of his decision to exempt the State of Arizona from a federal regulation requiring Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to be supervised by a physician. The reform will expand access to care, especially in rural areas, and free up physicians for other needed medical services." - Office of Governor Doug Ducey (3/24/20)

Arizona - Expanding licensing opportunities by helping licensed professionals in the state stay licensed and deferring certain requirements for six months

"Under the Executive Order, state agencies and boards will defer requirements to renew licenses that have an expiration date between March 1, 2020 and September 1, 2020 by six months from the expiration date, unless those requirements can be completed online. Additionally, they will defer requirements to complete continuing education by six months, unless those requirements can be completed online." - Office of Governor Doug Ducey (3/26/20)

Arizona - Allowing on-the-job training for certain health care workers

"The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System shall permit and the Board of Examiners of Nursing Care Institution Administrators and Assisted Living Facility Managers shall certify an individual who completes on-the-job training as provided in this order as if the applicant had fulfilled the requirements for training required." - Office of Governor Doug Ducey (4/14/20)

Arizona - Telehealth services may be provided by any licensed healthcare provider

"Telehealth services subject to this Executive Order may be provided by any Arizona licensed healthcare provider type including, but not limited to, physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, optometrist, psychologists, dentists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, behavioral health providers, chiropractors, athletic trainers, hearing aid dispensers, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists." - Office of Governor Doug Ducey (4/14/20)

Arizona - Allows the issuance of a prescription for injured workers without an in-person examination

"No Arizona regulatory board shall enforce any statute, rule, or regulation that would require a medical professional who is licensed by that board and who is authorized to write prescriptions to conduct an in-person examination of an injured worker prior to the issuance of a prescription." - Office of Governor Doug Ducey (4/14/20)

Arkansas - Lifting restrictions on telehealth law, which required an in-person encounter to establish a professional relationship

"To fully leverage telehealth in Arkansas and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I am suspending the provisions… requiring an in-person encounter, or a face to face examination using real time audio and visual means to establish a professional relationship. Physicians licensed in Arkansas who have access to a patient's personal health record maintained by a physician may establish a professional relationship with a patient using any technology deemed appopriate by the provider... with a citizen located in Arkansas to diagnose, treat and if clinically appropriate, prescribe a non-controlled drug to that patient." - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (3/24/20)

Arkansas - Removes limits on working hours for health care providers

"A suspension of Arkansas Code to the extent necessary to remove limits on working hours for physicians, physician assistants, specialist assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, to allow healthcare facilities otherwise affected by the disaster emergency to maintain adequate staffing..." - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (4/13/20)

Arkansas - Lessening barriers in medical treatment protocol development and modification

"A suspension of Arkansas Code to the extent necessary to allow emergency medical treatment protocol development or modification to occur solely with the approval of the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health." - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (4/13/20)

Arkansas - Immunity from liability for health care providers providing care in support of COVID-19 response

"A suspension of Ark. Code… to the extent necessary to provide immunity from liability to the following emergency responders… in the course of providing medical services in support of the State's response to the COVID-19 outbreak…: (a) physicians; (b) physician assistants; (c) specialist assistants; (d) nurse practitioners; (e) licensed registered nurses; and (f) and licensed practical nurses." - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (4/13/20)

Arkansas - Allowing remote notarization

Suspends several provisions requiring in-person witnessing and notarization of legal documents. - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (4/9/20)

Arkansas - Extending tax deadlines

"The Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration is hereby ordered to extend the 2019 individual income tax filing date and individual income tax payment date from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020." - Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson (3/23/20)

California - Waiving licensing and staffing requirements with respect to clinics, adult day health care, hospice, and mobile health care units

"For the duration of the declared emergency, waive any of the licensing and staffing requirements of chapters 1, 3.3, 8.5, and 9 of division 2 of the Health and Safety Code and any accompanying regulations with respect to any clinic, adult day health care, hospice, or mobile health care unit. Any waiver shall include alternative measures that, under the circumstances, will allow the clinic, adult day health care, hospice, or mobile health care unit to assist in the care or protect the health of individuals while protecting public health and safety." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (3/21/20)

California - Noise limitations suspended if they restrict delivery of food, pharmaceuticals, and other emergency necessities

"Any local ordinance, including those relating to noise limitations, is suspended to the extent it restricts, delays, or otherwise inhibits the delivery of food products, pharmaceuticals, and other emergency necessities distributed through grocery stores and other retail or institutional channels, including, but not limited to, hospitals, jails, restaurants, and schools." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (3/21/20)

California - Allows Department of State Hospitals to waive any provisions or requirements that impede ability to care for mental or behavioral health conditions

"To ensure that patients with mental or behavioral health conditions continue to receive the services and support they need, notwithstanding disruptions caused by COVID-19; and to protect the health, safety and welfare of patients with mental or behavioral health conditions committed to the State Department of State Hospitals facilities, as defined by Welfare and Institutions Code Sections 4100 and 7200; the Director of the State Department of State Hospitals may issue directives waiving any provision or requirement of the Welfare and Institutions Code; any provision or requirement of the Penal Code that affects the execution of laws relating to care, custody, and treatment of persons with mental illness committed to or in the custody of the State Department State Hospitals." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (3/21/20)

California - Extending tax deadlines, refund deadlines, and license renewals

"The executive order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes. That means small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns. Additionally, the order extends the statute of limitations to file a claim for refund by 60 days to accommodate tax and fee payers. The executive order also includes extensions that impact state government workers, as well as consumers. For instance, the Department of Motor Vehicles will limit in-person transactions for the next 60 days, allowing instead for mail-in renewals. Additionally, the Department of Consumer Affairs will waive continuing education requirements for several professions, also for the next 60 days. Further, the order will extend the Office of Administrative Law’s deadlines to review regular department proposed regulations. The order also extends by 60 days the time period to complete investigation of public safety officers based on allegations of misconduct. Finally, deadlines for trainings, investigations, and adverse actions for state workers will also be extended." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (3/30/20)

California - Departments may waive any professional licensing and certification requirements to expand scopes of care

"To the extent necessary and only for the duration of the declared emergency, waive any of the professional licensing and certification requirements and amend scopes of practice of chapters 2, 2.35, and 8 of division 2 of the Health and Safety Code and any accompanying regulations with respect to certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and nursing home administrators, and chapter 3, division 2 of the Business and Professions Code and accompanying regulations with respect to certified hemodialysis technicians." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (3/30/20)

California - Extension for expired drivers' licenses and identification cards; suspends late fees

"Some of the issues addressed in the executive order include granting a 60-day extension for customers on several Department of Motor Vehicles deadlines, including for recently expired drivers’ licenses and identification cards, to reflect public compliance with the COVID-19 stay at home order. It also suspends late fees from being applied to expired vehicle registrations." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/23/20)

California - Allowing posting, filing and notice requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to be satisfied through electronic means

"The order will allow certain posting, filing and notice requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to be satisfied through electronic means to allow public access and involvement consistent with COVID-19 public health concerns." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/23/20)

California - Allows retailers to provide bags to consumers without charge

"The executive order will temporarily allow retailers, particularly grocery stores, to provide bags to consumers without charge, and to pause redemption of beverage containers in-store to mitigate the spread of COVID-19." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/23/20)

California - Suspends the requirement for recycling centers to hold a minimum number of hours of operation

"The executive order also temporarily suspends the requirement for recycling centers to hold a minimum number of hours of operation and directs the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and issue operating guidelines." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/23/20)

California - Suspends requirements for in-person signatures for people to obtain certain prescription drugs

"The executive order will temporarily suspend requirements for in-person signatures for people to obtain certain prescription drugs covered by Medi-Cal, and will allow a 90-day extension for providers on cost reporting, change of scope of service and administrative hearings." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/23/20)

California - Expanding access to telehealth services

"The order relaxes certain state privacy and security laws for medical providers, so they can provide telehealth services without the risk of being penalized. This action is similar to the federal HHS Office for Civil Rights waiver issued on March 17, 2020 regarding federal privacy and security laws." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/3/20)

California - Allows remote marriage

"Under the executive order, adults will be able to obtain a marriage license, at the discretion of their local county clerk, through videoconferencing, as long as both adults are located within the State of California, are present, and can present identification during the video conference. The license can then be issued via email. Additionally, adults who wish to be married can conduct a ceremony to solemnize the marriage via videoconference, as long as both parties are present, and have at least one witness who can join the live video conference. The provisions will be in place for the next 60 days for those who wish to be married during that time." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (4/30/2020)

California - Allowing retired peace officers to be rehired

"Also, the order enhances public safety by allowing retired peace officers to temporarily be reemployed for up to a year if they left the agency in good standing." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (5/8/2020)

California - Extends expiration dates for notaries public whose commissions are set to expire

"Additionally, the order extends for 60 days the expiration dates for notaries public whose commissions are set to expire. The order also makes it clear that notaries public can use an expired Department of Motor Vehicle driver’s license or identification card to confirm identification, consistent with prior action that extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and identification cards." - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom (5/8/2020)

Colorado - Expedited medical licensing

"Governor Polis said he would order the state to expedite licensing of new medical professionals and asked medical professionals who might be retired or are in a different profession to reconnect with their prior employer to supplement the state’s health cares systems if and when medical professionals are diagnosed with COVID-19." - CPR News (3/13/20)

Colorado - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"In order to scale up our health care workforce capacity, I have asked the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies to cut through the red tape on licensing our medical professionals so that medical professionals - including pharmacists, nurses, doctors - who are licensed in other states but residing here can be immediately licensed in Colorado as quickly as possible to address this shortage." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/13/20)

Colorado - Deregulatory efforts for drivers' licensing and vehicle registration

Governor Polis closed the state’s DMVs, waived the restriction on online renewals for residents 65 and older, and permitted counties to waive late fees and renewals for vehicle registration. - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/2020)

Colorado - Allowing food trucks to operate at Colorado’s rest areas to support the movement of commercial vehicle activities

"I temporarily suspend the restriction in C.R.S. § 43-3-101(3) that no commercial enterprise shall be conducted or authorized on any property designated as or acquired for or in connection with a freeway or highway by the department of transportation, or any other governmental agency for commercial food truck. I direct the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Transportation to issue temporary permits to allow commercial food trucks in Colorado’s rest and commercial trucking refueling areas to support truckers and commercial vehicle activity." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (5/2/2020)

Colorado - Suspending certain petition gathering requirements for unaffiliated and independent candidates for office

"I temporarily suspend C.R.S. §§ 1-4-802(1)(d)(I) and 1-4-802(1)(f)(I), which establish the time period during which unaffiliated and independent candidates may circulate petitions." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/13/2020)

Colorado - Allowing the the training and delegation of health care tasks to health care professionals, whose licenses typically do not allow said tasks

"I direct the Executive Director of DORA, through the Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), to promulgate and issue temporary emergency rules to permit the licensed professionals... to cross train, supervise, and delegate responsibilities concerning the temporary care and treatment of patients to the professionals listed in Section II.B., in hospitals or inpatient medical facilities, including emergency departments, as long as such delegated responsibilities are appropriate based on the delegated professional’s education, training, and experience..." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Allowing certified nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants to perform airway management for COVID-19 patients

"I temporarily suspend the medical tasks that may be delegated to anesthesiologist assistants under C.R.S. § 12-240-107(7)(a), and I direct the Executive Director of DORA, through the Director of DPO, to promulgate and issue temporary emergency rules that allow certified nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants to perform airway management for COVID-19 patients." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Suspending certain nursing and nurse aide students' education requirements

"I temporarily suspend the following State Board of Nursing (SBON) Rules in 3 CCR 716-1 to facilitate the completion of nursing and nurse aide students’ studies to make additional professionals available to the healthcare workforce as soon as possible: 1. SBON Rule 1.2 C.11. (requiring concurrent clinical and theory experiences to allow clinical hours to be completed beyond six (6) months of relevant theory content);2. SBON Rule 1.10 D.12.a. (requiring completion of a written examination, including skills-based examination, as a condition of nurse aide certification); 3. SBON Rule 1.2 E. 15.c.(4)(a) (requiring a minimum of four hundred (400) clinical hours graduation from a practical nursing education program); 4. SBON Rule 1.2 E. 15.c.(4)(b) (requiring a minimum of seven hundred fifty (750) clinical hours for graduation from a professional nursing education program); 5. SBON Rule 1.2 E.15.c.(4)(c) (requiring fifty percent of clinical hours in the Medical Surgical Nursing II, Community Health and Capstone (practicum) courses, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric and medical surgical nursing be completed in a clinical setting); 6. SBON Rule 1.2 E.15.c.(13)(d) (requiring faculty supervision for healthcare related volunteer experiences); and 7. SBON Rule 1.11.E.2.a. (requiring that a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of clinical instruction be performed in a clinical setting as part of any certified nurse aide program)." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Suspending national certification or designated population focus requirements for APNs

"I temporarily suspend C.R.S. § 12-255-111(2) and 3 CCR 716-1 Rules 1.14(C) and (D), requiring national certification or designated population focus for advanced practice nurses when engaging in inpatient care, only to the extent necessary to enable advanced practice nurses without such certification or designation to evaluate and treat COVID-19 patients." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Allowing uncertified nurse aides to be employed for longer than four months

"I temporarily suspend C.R.S. § 12-260-120(1)(d), prohibiting the employment of a nurse aide student for longer than four (4) months unless certified, to enable nurse aide students to continue to evaluate and treat patients beyond four (4) months." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Suspending regulations on hospital pharmacies to allow them to meet expanding inpatient needs and emergency department bed counts

"I temporarily suspend the following State Board of Pharmacy Rules (Pharmacy Board Rules) to ensure hospital pharmacies are able to meet the needs of expanding inpatient and emergency department bed counts due to COVID-19 through hospital pharmacy satellites: 1. Pharmacy Board Rule 27.00.10(a) (requiring a maximum 1-mile distance restriction between the primary hospital pharmacy and the hospital satellite pharmacy); 2. Pharmacy Board Rules 27.00.20(c), (e), (f), (i), (j), (k), (i), (m), and (q) (requiring pre-registration inspection as well as various space, technical (such as a sink), and reference requirements); 3. Pharmacy Board Rule 27.00.40 (minimum hours of operation requirement); and 4. Pharmacy Board Rule 27.00.50 (security requirements)." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/15/2020)

Colorado - Allowing remote notarization

"I authorize the Secretary of State, consistent with the Secretary of State’s rulemaking authority under C.R.S. § 24-21-527(1)(a)-(f), to promulgate and issue temporary emergency rules to: 1. Authorize notarial officers to perform notarizations where a person appears before a notarial officer remotely, by real-time audio-video communication; and 2. Establish the standards and processes necessary to allow remote notarizations, including rules regarding authentication, verification of identity, and audio-video recording." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/27/2020)

Colorado - Allowing the issuance of marriage licenses when county clerk and recorder offices are closed

"I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order ordering the temporary suspension of certain statutes preventing the issuance of marriage licenses when county clerk and recorder offices are closed due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/26/2020)

Colorado - Allowing retailers to delivery and takeout of alcoholic beverages

"I temporarily suspend the enforcement of the statutory license limitations in C.R.S. §§ 44-3-301(3)(a), 44-3-901(1)(g), 44-3-901(10), and 44-4-107(6) to allow retailers licensed for on-premises alcohol consumption to sell, deliver, or provide for takeout of sealed alcohol beverages if the customer, who is over twenty-one (21) years old, also purchases food, for a period of thirty (30) days until April 18, 2020." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/20/2020)

Colorado - Allowing breweries to sell, delivery, and provides for takeout sealed containers of malt liquor

"I also temporarily suspend the enforcement of the statutory license limitations in C.R.S. §§ 44-3-301(3)(a), 44-3- 901(1)(g), and 44-3-901(10) for breweries operating an approved sales room to sell, deliver, or provide for takeout of sealed containers of malt liquor, if the customer is over twenty-one (21) years old, for a period of thirty (30) days until April 18, 2020." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/20/2020)

Colorado - Allowing issuance of medical marijuana cards without "appropriate personal physical examination"

"I temporarily suspend C.R.S. § 25-1.5-106(2)(a.5)(I), which requires an appropriate personal physical examination for the issuance of medical marijuana cards, for a period of thirty (30) days until April 18, 2020, to prevent exposure of COVID-19 among medical professionals and medical marijuana patients." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/20/2020)

Colorado - Allowing the online sales of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products

"I temporarily suspend the prohibition on retail marijuana store online sales of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products in C.R.S. § 44-10-601(7)(c) to facilitate pick up by consumers twenty-one (21) years of age and older in a manner consistent with social-distancing guidelines promulgated by CDPHE, for a period of thirty (30) days until April 18, 2020." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/20/2020)

Colorado - Suspending vehicle gross weight provisions

"I temporarily suspend the vehicle gross weight provisions of C.R.S. § 42-4- 508(1)(c) for vehicles weighing 80,001 pounds to 84,999 pounds, to ensure the delivery of emergency goods and services to their destination in a safe and efficient manner for a period of thirty (30) days until April 18, 2020." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (3/20/2020)

Colorado - Expanding access to telehealth services

"I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order ordering the temporary suspension of certain statutes to expand the use of telehealth services due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado." - Office of Governor Jared Polis (4/1/2020)

Connecticut - Office of Health Strategy to waive Certificates of Need

"Authorizes the Office of Health Strategy to waive Certificates of Need and other requirements to ensure adequate availability of healthcare resources and facilities." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/14/20)

Connecticut - Waives certain easily childhood care licensing requirements

"Governor Lamont signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations earlier this week. The order issued... authorizes the Commissioner of Early Childhood to waive certain licensing and other requirements to maintain and increase the availability of childcare…" - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/14/20)

Connecticut - Easing regulations on pharmacist procedure

"Governor Lamont today signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations earlier this week. The order issued... waives requirements for pharmacists to use certain personal protective equipment when working with non-hazardous, sterile compounds." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/14/20)

Connecticut - Allows pharmacists to make and sell hand sanitizer

"Governor Lamont today signed his third executive order since the enactment of the emergency declarations earlier this week. The order issued… allows pharmacists to compound and sell hand sanitizer." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/14/20)

Connecticut - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Permits physicians, nurses, respiratory care practitioners, emergency medical services personnel, and other health care practitioners who are licensed in another state to provide temporary assistance in Connecticut for a period of 60 days." - Connecticut’s Commissioner of the Department of Public Health (3/23/20)

Connecticut - Suspension of Tax on Single-Use Checkout Bags

"Temporary Suspension of Tax on Single-Use Checkout Bags. All provisions of Section 355 of Public Act 19-117, as codified in Section 22a246a of the 2020 Supplement to the Connecticut General Statutes, regarding single-use plastic checkout bags, are temporarily suspended through May 15, 2020, unless earlier modified, extended, or terminated by me. The Commissioner of Revenue Services shall issue any implementing order he deems necessary, and any guidance for businesses on accounting or other necessary measures during this temporary suspension." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/26/20)

Connecticut - Extending the tax deadline

"Extension of deadline to file income and expense statement to August 15: Allows taxpayers additional time to complete their income and expense statements." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/1/20)

Connecticut - Waives certificate of need requirements for healthcare resources and facilities fighting COVID-19

"Provisions to ensure adequate healthcare resources and facilities: The order allows the Office of Healthcare Strategy to waive certain requirements regarding certificates of need and other healthcare related requirements so ensure that the increased demand for healthcare resources and facilities can be met during the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (3/16/20)

Connecticut - Approval of temporary additional nursing home beds

"Approval of Temporary Additional Nursing Home Beds for COVID-19 Recovery. Section 17b-354(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes, to the extent that it places a moratorium on the approval of additional nursing home beds by the Commissioner of Social Services, is suspended effective April 13, 2020, but solely with respect to: (i) entities designated by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to serve as Alternate COVID Recovery Facilities, as said term is established and defined pursuant to Executive Order No. 7Y; and (ii) additional nursing home beds as may be required at an existing skilled nursing facility to receive COVID-19 transfers from entities designated by DPH to serve as COVID Recovery Facilities, as said terms are established and defined pursuant to Executive Order No. 7Y." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/15/20)

Connecticut - State contracting agency may waive provisions of certain statutes if it expedites the procurement of "essential goods"

"In accordance with the provisions of Section 28-9(b)(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes, for any contract entered into on or after March 10, 2020, the head of a state contracting agency may waive the provisions of the following statutes if he or she deems such waiver necessary to expedite the procurement of “essential goods,” ... a. which require the disclosure of certain gifts and campaign contributions by state contractors... b. which require the inclusion of language regarding contractors’ civil liability for violations of the state’s whistleblower statute... c. which require the competitive solicitation for all purchases and contracts for supplies, materials and equipment... d. which require the inclusion of certain anti-discrimination terms in State contracts... e. which require state contractors to permit certain audit and inspection activities by the State... f. which requires state contractors to comply with certain confidentiality requirements." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/14/20)

Connecticut - Unarmed security officers licensed in other states may practice in Connecticut

"Suspension of Requirements for Security Officer License. Section 29-161q of the Connecticut General Statutes and any statute, regulation or requirement or part thereof relating to unarmed Security Officer licenses is hereby modified to authorize the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to waive licensing requirements for the purpose of temporarily allowing security services or businesses to employ security officers who are not licensed in Connecticut but are licensed in another state." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/14/20)

Connecticut - Waiving any application fees for temporary permits

"Sections 20-65k, 20-12b(b), 20-74d, 20-162o(c) and 20-195t of the Connecticut General Statutes are modified to waive any application fees for temporary permits and to extend the duration of the temporary permits for the health care professions governed thereunder (Athletic Trainer, Respiratory Care Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Occupational, Therapist/Assistants, Master Social Worker), for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier modified or terminated. The Commissioner may issue any implementing order she deems necessary to effectuate this order." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/7/20)

Connecticut - The practices allowed for healthcare trainees prior to licensure are permitted for the duration of the declared emergency

"The provisions in Sections 20-70(b)(1), 20-70(b)(2), 20-74bb(f), and 20- 101 of the Connecticut General Statutes that permit practice prior to licensure by applicants and graduates for the health care professions governed thereunder (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Radiographer, Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist), are modified to permit such practice for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier modified or terminated. The Commissioner of Public Health may issue any implementing orders she deems necessary to effectuate this order." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/7/20)

Connecticut - If someone is accredited, no license shall be required to practice as a marital and family therapy associate

"Section 20- 195f of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to provide that, for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier modified or terminated, no license shall be required to practice as a marital and family therapy associate, as defined in Section 20-195a(4), for a person who has completed a graduate degree program specializing in marital and family therapy offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education or a postgraduate clinical training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/7/20)

Connecticut - A professional counselor associate may practice without obtaining a license

"Section 20- 195bb(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to permit a person who has completed the requirements in Section 20-195dd(b) to practice as a professional counselor associate without obtaining a license for the duration of the public health and civil preparedness emergency, unless earlier modified or terminated." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/7/20)

Connecticut - Health care professionals and facilities shall be immune from civil liability suits while providing COVID-19 support in good faith

"Notwithstanding any provision of the Connecticut General Statutes or any other state law, including the common law, or any associated regulations, rules, policies, or procedures, any health care professional or health care facility shall be immune from suit for civil liability for any injury or death alleged to have been sustained because of the individual's or health care facility's acts or omissions undertaken in good faith while providing health care services in support of the State's COVID-19 response, including but not limited to acts or omissions undertaken because of a lack of resources, attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, that renders the health care professional or health care facility unable to provide the level or manner of care that otherwise would have been required in the absence of the COVID-19 pandemic and which resulted in the damages at issue, provided that nothing in this order shall remove or limit any immunity conferred by any provision of the Connecticut General Statutes or other law." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/7/20)

Connecticut - Out-of-state practitioners may prescribe controlled substances

"Section 21a317 of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to provide that out-of-state practitioners, working within the scope of practice for which the practitioner is licensed, registered or certified in another state, and in accordance with the order issued by the Commissioner of Public Health on March 23, 2020 authorizing certain out-of-state practitioners to provide care in Connecticut, or any superseding or amended order, may prescribe controlled substances in Connecticut without obtaining a Controlled Substance Registration from the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/30/2020)

Connecticut - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Additions to Definition of Telehealth Provider. Section 19a-906(a)(12) of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to add any dentist licensed under Chapter 379, behavior analyst licensed under Chapter 382a, genetic counselor licensed under Chapter 383d, music therapist licensed under Chapter 383f, art therapist licensed under Chapter 383g, and veterinarian licensed under Chapter 384 to the definition of telehealth provider... Flexibility for Medicaid-Enrolled Providers and In-Network Providers for Commercial Fully Insured Health Insurance to Perform Telehealth Through Additional Methods..." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Additions to permissible out-of-state healthcare providers

"Section 19a131j(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to additionally allow the Commissioner of Public Health to issue an order to suspend, for a period not to exceed sixty consecutive days, the requirements for licensure, certification or registration, pursuant to chapters 376a (occupational therapist), 376b (alcohol and drug counselor), 376c (radiographer, radiologic technologist, radiologist assistant and nuclear medicine technologist), 379 (dentist), 379a (dental hygienist), 382a (behavior analyst), 383d (genetic counselor), 383f (music therapist). 383g (art therapist), 384b (dietician-nutritionist), and 399 (speech and language pathologist)." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Suspension of supervision requirements for physician assistants

"Section 20-12a of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to suspend the supervision requirements for physician assistants authorized to practice in the State of Connecticut set forth in Subsection (7)(A) subparts (iii) through (v), inclusive, and (7)(B) subparts (iii) through (v), inclusive, of said Section." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Suspension of in-person supervision requirements for advanced practice registered nurses

"Section 20-87a(b)(2) of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to suspend the requirement that a physician, medically directing the prescriptive activity of an advanced practice registered nurse who is prescribing and administering medical therapeutics during surgery, must be physically present in the institution, clinic or other setting where the surgery is being performed." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Allowing a respiratory care therapist student or a respiratory care technician student to provide care

"Section 20-162q(c) of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to allow a respiratory care therapist student or a respiratory care technician student as specified in said subsection to provide services in accordance with the requirements of said subsection except that the services are not required to be a component of such person's course of study." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Suspending continuing education requirements for health care providers

"The continuing education requirements in Chapters 370, 373, 376, 376a, 376b, 376c, 378, 379, 379a, 380, 381, 381a, 383, 383a, 383b, 383c, 384, 383d, 384a, 384c, 385, 387a, 388, 397a, 398, 399 and Section 19a-515 of the General Statutes are suspended for one (1) year for occupations and professions with annual education requirements, and for the other occupations and professions within said statutes, the continuing education completion period and reporting requirements are suspended for six (6) months. The continuing education requirements are modified as stated above for each person for the continuing education year in which March 10, 2020 lies for him or her." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Connecticut - Allowing participation in health care programs prior to permit issuance

"Participation in Intern, Resident Physician, or United States Medical Officer Candidate Training Programs Prior to Permit Issuance. Section 20-11a of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to allow a person to participate in an intern or resident physician program or United States Medical Officer candidate training program prior to issuance of a permit by the Department of Public Health provided that the hospital administrator documents that the person has satisfied the requirements for such a permit set forth in the statute... Participation in Resident Physician Assistant Program Prior to Permit Issuance. Section 20-12h of the Connecticut General Statutes is modified to allow a person to participate in a resident physician assistant program in a short-term hospital that provides a postgraduate medical education program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, without a license or temporary permit issued pursuant to section 20-12b or a training permit issued by the Department of Public Health, provided that the hospital administrator documents that the person is to be appointed a resident physician assistant in such hospital and has satisfied the requirements of subdivisions (1), (2) and (5) of subsection (a) of section 20-12b." - Office of Governor Ned Lamont (4/22/2020)

Delaware - Allowing remote notarization

"Effective April 15, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. E.D.T., any notarial act required under Delaware law is authorized to be performed, in addition to methods authorized under current law, by utilizing audio-visual technology (remote notarization)." - Office of Governor John Carney (4/15/20)

Delaware - Staffing ratios in long term care facilities suspended

"Long term care facilities must continue to provide 3.28 hours of direct care per resident per day. However, the staffing ratios required in 16 Del. C. § 1162 are hereby suspended." - Office of Governor John Carney (3/30/20)

Delaware - Training requirements for feeding assistants lifted

"The training requirements found in Section 3215 of Title 16 of the Delaware Administrative Code are hereby suspended. Previously untrained feeding assistants may undergo on-site training for the pendency of the state of emergency." - Office of Governor John Carney (3/30/20)

Delaware - All regulations requiring in-person contact before or during telemedicine services suspended

"To the extent not suspended by the Second Modification of the Declaration of a State of Emergency, all regulations requiring any in-person contact before or during telemedicine services provided by any medical professional are hereby suspended." - Office of Governor John Carney (3/30/20)

Florida  - Customer service representatives allowed to work remotely

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis issued a directive allowing Florida agency customer service representatives, who would normally be restricted from conducting business outside of a licensed agency, to work remotely. - Florida Department of Financial Services (3/17/20)

Florida - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"For purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, health care professionals, advanced life support professionals, and basic life support professionals holding a valid, unrestricted, and unencumbered license in any state, territory, and/or district may render such services in Florida during a period not to exceed thirty days unless extended by order of the State Surgeon General, if such health care practitioner does not represent or hold themselves out as a health care practitioner licensed to practice in Florida." - State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20) ​​​​

Florida - Out-of-state health care professionals may use telehealth to care for patients in Florida

"For purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, health care professionals not licensed in this state may provide health care services to a patient licensed in this state using telehealth…" - State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20)

Florida - Emergency medical services training programs may use remote instruction and simulations

"For purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, emergency medical services training programs may, with the approval ofthe training program medical director, substitute supervised remote live videoconferencing or simulation for one-half of the supervised clinical instruction hours and one-half of the supervised field internship hours required by section 401.2701, Florida Statutes, and applicable rules.​" - State Surgeon General Scott A Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20)

Florida - Physicians may issue a physician certification for the medical use of marijuana without a physical examination

"For purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, qualified physicians under section 381.986, Florida Statutes [medical use of marijuana], may issue a physician certification only for an existing qualified patient with an existing certification that was issued by that qualified physician without the need to conduct a physical examination while physically present in the same room as the patient." - State Surgeon General Scott A Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20)

Florida - Controlled substance prescribing practitioners may issue a renewal prescription by the use of telehealth services

"For purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, physicians, osteopathic physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses licensed in Florida that have designated themselves as a controlled substance prescribing practitioner pursuant to section 456.44, may issue a renewal prescription for a controlled substance listed as Schedule II, Schedule III, or Schedule IV under chapter 893 only for an existing patient for the purpose of treating chronic nonmalignant pain without the need to conduct a physical examination of the patient. These practitioners may only substitute telehealth services for the physical examination." - State Surgeon General Scott A Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20)

Florida - All rules that would limit distribution, dispensing, or administration of otherwise legitimate prescription drugs are suspended

"For the purposes of preparing for, responding to, and mitigating any effect of COVID-19, the provisions of chapters 499 and 465, Florida Statutes, and rules promulgated thereunder, that if applied, would operate to limit distribution, dispensing, or administration of otherwise legitimate prescription drugs in a manner that could hinder, prevent, or delay mitigation of any health-related condition are suspended for a period of thirty days, unless extended."- State Surgeon General Scott A Rivkees, Executive Order (3/16/20)

Florida - Allowing delivery and takeout of alcohol

"The restriction in section 561.20(2)(a)4., Florida Statutes, prohibiting a specially licensed food service establishment from selling package sales of alcohol for delivery, take-out or consumption off-premises is suspended for restaurants complying with Executive Order 20-68..." - Office of Governor Ron DeSantis (3/20/2020)

Florida - Local governments may use telecommunication for meetings

"I hereby suspend any Florida Statute that requires a quorum to be present in person or requires a local government body to meet at a specific public place... Local government bodies may utilize communications media technology, such as telephonic and video conferencing…" - Office of Governor Ron DeSantis (3/20/2020)

Florida - Re-employment of essential personnel

"I hereby declare that certain FRS employees who have retired since October 1, 2019, or who may retire prior to or on August 1, 2020 under a state administered retirement system (i.e., FRS Pension Plan service retirement or Deferred Retirement Option Program (""DROP""), FRS Investment Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Community College System Optional Retirement Program, and Senior Management Service Optional Retirement Program), may have the requirements of Section 121.091(9), F.S., tolled for completion of the 6-month termination period and the 7th-12th month re-employment limitation period if the re-employment or continued employment assists the COVID-19 emergency response. Any other statutory provision or implementing regulation limiting such re-employment shall also be suspended." - Office of Governor Ron DeSantis (3/30/2020)

Georgia - Allowing charity to provide food to students in need

"Despite the selfless services that MUST Ministries provides, last year, government regulators stepped in and informed the charity that they can longer run the summer lunch program in the manner that they were accustomed.... Thanks to coronavirus, schools are temporarily closed across Georgia to contain COVID-19’s spread. The negative byproduct of this is that many underserved children, who would otherwise receive school lunches, now risk going hungry. To the government’s credit, schools are planning to somehow provide kids these lunches. According to 11Alive News, “To continue to support Cobb students while schools are closed, the Cobb County School District is partnering with MUST Ministries to provide food to students in need.”" - All On Georgia (3/19/20)

Georgia - Allowing 90-day supply of prescription drugs and early refill prescriptions

"That all licensed Georgia pharmacists are hereby permitted to dispense a 90-day supply of prescription drugs… all licensed Georgia pharmacists are hereby permitted to dispense early refill prescriptions for prescription drugs." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/20/20) [EO - Reducing Regulations to Assist the State’s Response to the Spread of COVID-19]

Georgia - Suspension of certificate on need laws for projects aimed at fighting COVID-19

"That the Department of Community Health is authorized and directed to implement the suspension of Code Section 31-6-40 [Certificate of need required for new institutional health services] where such suspension would permit capable facilities to expand capacity, offer services, or make expenditures necessary to assist with the needs of this Public Health State of Emergency... That the Commissioner of the Department of Community Health or his designees is authorized and directed to implement waivers of those rules and regulations necessary to prohibit the prevention, hindrance, or delay of necessary action..." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/20/20) [EO - Reducing Regulations to Assist the State’s Response to the Spread of COVID-19]

Georgia - Pharmacist license reciprocity

"That the Georgia Board of Pharmacy is authorized to grant temporary licenses to pharmacists who apply… and are currently licensed in good standing as a pharmacist by an equivalent board in another state…" - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/20/20) [EO - Reducing Regulations to Assist the State’s Response to the Spread of COVID-19]

Georgia - Exam requirements waived for registered nurses

"That the Georgia Board of Nursing is authorized to grant temporary licenses to practice… to graduate registered nurses and graduate practical nurses who have yet to take their respective licensing exam." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/23/20) [EO - Expanding temporary licensing of certain medical professions to assist the State's response to the spread of COVID-19]

Georgia - Inactive or lapsed medical license holders shall be allowed to practice (if license expired/was inactive within the last five years)

"Administrative rules which prohibit the practice of medicine, surgery, osteopathic medicine, and osteopathic surgery, by a licensee whose license is inactive or lapsed shall not be enforced." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/23/20) [EO - Expanding temporary licensing of certain medical professions to assist the State's response to the spread of COVID-19]

Georgia - Allowing remote notarization

"Any purported requirement under the laws of this state that the attestation of a recordable instrument… must occur in the physical presence of the notary public may be satisfied by the use of real-time audio-visual communication technology or any similar real-time means of electronic video conferencing..." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/31/20) [EO - Authorizing the use of real-time audio-visual communication technology to assist in notarizing real estate documents]

Georgia - Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists allowed to process prescriptions remotely

"That the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy is authorized and directed… to the extent necessary to allow pharmacy technicians and pharmacists to complete computer-based processing of prescriptions at alternative locations, including from the residence of the pharmacy technician or pharmacists." - Office of Brian Kemp (3/31/20) [EO - Providing pharmacy technicians and pharmacists with options for handling the computer-based processing of prescriptions during the COVID-19 Public Health State of Emergency]

Georgia - Authorizing the State Board of Education to waive certain state rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and provisions to assist in the State's response to COVID-19

"That the State Board of Education is authorized to waive state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures… without such waiver being first requested by a local board of education." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (3/27/20) [EO - Authorizing the State Board of Education to waive certain state rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and provisions to assist in the State's response to COVID-19]

Georgia - Extending expirations of weapons carry licenses

"That the requirement under Code Section 16-11-129 that renewals of weapons carry licenses and renewal licenses must be applied for within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such licenses, is hereby suspended for weapons carry licenses and renewal licenses which expire between February 13, 2020 and June 12, 2020." - Office of Governor Brian Kemp (5/8/2020) [EO - Temporarily extending the thirty-day renewal requirement for Georgia Weapons Carry Licenses]

Hawaii - Allows physicians to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth

"Suspension of the following laws: Section 329-41 (a)(8), HRS, prohibited acts B - penalties, for the sole and limited purpose of enabling authorized physicians practicing telehealth as provided in section 453-1.3, HRS, to issue prescriptions for controlled substances." - Office of Governor David Ige (3/23/20)

Hawaii - Extending effective period of registration for the medical use of cannabis

"Suspension of the following laws: Part IX of chapter 329, HRS, medical use of cannabis, to the extent necessary to allow the Department of Health to extend effective period of registration for qualifying patients and primary caregivers with registration cards with expiration dates in March and April for sixty (60) days." - Office of Governor David Ige (3/23/20)

Hawaii - Allows out-of-state physicians and nurses to dispense controlled substances to Hawaii patients

"Suspension of the following laws: Sections 329-32(a), 329-33(a), 329-38.2, HRS, uniform controlled substances act, and related administrative rules, to the extent necessary to allow out-of-state physicians and nurses to dispense (including prescribing and administering) controlled substances without having to register in Hawai‘i, as contemplated in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration’s COVID-19 Policy Concerning Separate Registration Across State Lines dated March 25, 2020." - Office of Governor David Ige (3/29/20)

Hawaii - Regulatory relief for child care facilities, child care licensing

"Suspension of the following laws: Chapter 346, HRS, Part VIII, child care, and related administrative rules for child care licensing and subsidies, to the extent necessary such that the Director of the Department of Human Services, in his sole discretion and for the purpose of assisting those in need, may suspend fingerprinting requirements; suspend the requisite staffing configurations and the number of children per adult ratio for a child care establishment; suspend eligibility and other requirements for family units impacted by an emergency; disregard emergency related benefits in calculating child care subsidies; suspend application deadlines for child care subsidies; allow for redeterminations of eligibility and monthly payment amounts within 3 of 5 the eligibility period; and suspend subsidy payments for longer than one month when a payment amount is determined to be zero." - Office of Governor David Ige (3/29/20)

Hawaii - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Suspension of the following laws: Section 453-1.3, HRS, practice of telehealth, to the extent necessary to allow individuals currently and actively licensed pursuant to chapter 453, HRS, to engage in telehealth without an in-person consultation or a prior existing physician-patient relationship; and to the extent necessary to enable out-of-state physicians, osteopathic physicians, and physician assistants with a current and active license, or those who were previously licensed pursuant to chapter 453, HRS, but who are no longer current and active, to engage in telehealth in Hawai‘i without a license, inperson consultation, or prior existing physician-patient relationship, provided that they have never had their license revoked or suspended and are hired by a state or county agency or facility or by a hospital, including related clinics and rehabilitation hospitals, nursing home, hospice, pharmacy, or clinical laboratory." - Office of Governor David Ige (3/29/20)

Hawaii - Immunity from liability for health care providers and facilities providing care in support of COVID-19 response

"Pursuant to sections 127A-9 and 127A-12(a)(5), HRS, I direct that during the pendency of the Emergency Proclamations, health care facilities, as defined in section 1 of this Executive Order, that in good faith comply completely with all state and federal orders regarding the disaster emergency, shall be immune from civil liability for any death or injury to persons, or property damage alleged to have been caused by any act or omission by the health care facility, which death of or injury to persons, or property damage occurred at a time when the health care facility was engaged in the course of rendering assistance to the State by providing health care services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak... Pursuant to sections 127A-9 and 127A-12(a)(5), HRS, I direct that during the pendency of the Emergency Proclamations, health care professionals, as defined in section 1 of this Executive Order, who in good faith comply completely with all state and federal orders regarding the disaster emergency, shall be immune from civil liability for any death or injury to persons, or property damage alleged to have been caused by any act or omission by the health 4 of 5 care professional, which death of or injury to persons, or property damage occurred at a time when the health care professional was engaged in the course of rendering assistance to the State by providing health care services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak..." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Hawaii - Waiving the licensure and accompanying requirements to permit graduates of nursing education programs to practice

"The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)...: Section 457-7, HRS, registered nurses; qualifications; licenses; fees; title; existing licensed nurses; verification of licenses; eligibility, to the extent necessary to waive the licensure and accompanying requirements so as to permit graduates of nursing education programs approved by the State Board of Nursing, within 180 days following graduation, to be employed to practice nursing 4 of 11 under the supervision of a registered nurse, with the endorsement of the employing health care facility." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Hawaii - Waiving the licensure and accompanying requirements to permit graduates of an accredited graduate level education programs (APRN) to practice

"The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)...: Section 457-8.5, HRS, advanced practice registered nurse; qualifications; licensure; endorsement; fees; eligibility, to the extent necessary to waive the licensure and accompanying requirements so as to permit graduates of an accredited graduate level education program preparing the nurse for one of the four recognized advanced practice registered nurse roles licensed by the State Board of Nursing, within 180 days following graduation, to be employed to practice as an advanced practice registered nurse, with the endorsement of the employing health care entity." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Hawaii - Allowing a registered pharmacist or pharmacy intern to fill, compound, or receive prescriptions by remote data entry

"The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)...: Section 461-9(a), HRS, pharmacist in charge; pharmacy personnel, and Sections 16-95-79(a), HAR, supervision by a registered pharmacist, and 16-95-80(a), HAR, physical presence of a registered pharmacist, to the extent necessary to allow a registered pharmacist currently and actively licensed pursuant to chapter 461, HRS, or pharmacy intern currently and actively permitted by the board, to fill, compound, or receive prescriptions by remote data entry." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Hawaii - Allowing several out-of-state licensees and health care professionals with expired licenses to practice

"The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)...: Chapter 457G-1.4, HRS, license required, and 457G-1.5, practice of occupational therapy, to the extent necessary to allow out-of state occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants with current and active licenses... Chapter 461J-2, HRS, practice of physical therapy; qualifications, chapter 461J-6, HRS, permanent licenses, and chapter 16-110-20, HAR, requirements for permanent physical therapist license... Chapter 466D-3, HRS, license required, and chapter 466D-9, HRS... Chapter 466J-4, HRS, licenses required, chapter 466J-5, HRS, radiographers, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists, qualifications and licenses, chapter 11-44-3, HAR, licenses required, chapter 11-44-4, HAR... Chapter 468E-3, HRS, practice as speech pathologist or audiologist; title or description of services, chapter 468E-4, HRS, persons and practices not affected, chapter 468E-8, HRS, license, chapter 16-100-12, HAR, registration required, and chapter 16-100-16, HAR, general requirements, to the extent necessary to allow an out-of state [providers] with a current and active license, or those previously licensed... but who are no longer... current and active, to practice in Hawai‘i without a license..." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Hawaii - Allowing remote marriage

"The suspension of the following laws, as allowed by federal law, pursuant to section 127A-13(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)...: Section 572-6, HRS, application; license; limitations, to the extent necessary to suspend the requirement that persons applying for a marriage license shall appear personally before an agent authorized to grant marriage licenses. During the time that this emergency order is effective, persons applying for a marriage license may appear by synchronous, real-time, interactive audio and video telecommunications before an agent authorized to grant marriage licenses." - Office of Governor David Ige (4/16/2020)

Idaho - Expanding access to telehealth services, allowing out-of-state providers to treat Idaho patients via telehealth

"The waivers will increase the capacity of Idaho’s healthcare system by broadening the use of telehealth and removing barriers on out-of-state providers treating Idaho patients through telehealth technology." - Office of Governor Brad Little (3/23/20)

Idaho - Allowing inactive/retired health care providers expedited licensure

"The waivers... streamline the licensure of nurses and physicians, allowing inactive or retired providers to come back into the profession more quickly and easily." - Office of Governor Brad Little (3/23/20)

Idaho - Expanding scope of practice for Physician Assistants (PAs)

"The waivers… also remove restrictions so that physician assistants can be fully engaged as part of the medical team." - Office of Governor Brad Little (3/23/20)

Idaho - Allowing emergency refill of up to 90 days for existing medications

"The waivers also enhance the care for Idaho patients by ensuring each Idahoan can access their chronic medications – such as those for diabetes -- by allowing emergency refill of up to 90 days for existing medications." - Office of Governor Brad Little (3/23/20)

Idaho - Extending tax deadlines

"Idaho citizens and businesses now have until June 15, 2020, to file their state income taxes and make any state income tax payments and apply for the Property Tax Reduction, Property Tax Deferral, and 100% Service-connected Disabled Veteran Benefit programs." - Office of Governor Brad Little (3/23/20)

Idaho - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Governor Brad Little announced today the suspension of an additional 18 regulations to more quickly, efficiently, and safely respond to Idaho's coronavirus emergency... The Governor's latest action ensures citizens have greater access to telehealth and medical professionals can more easily obtain necessary licenses to quickly engage in the response effort." - Office of Governor Brad Little (4/2/2020)

Illinois - Inactive health care providers allowed to practice

"During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, the provisions in the Healthcare Worker Background Check Act, 225 ILCS 46/33(g), that prohibit an individual from being hired to work as a certified nursing assistant if they have been inactive on the Health Care Worker Registry are suspended if the individual (1) has been in inactive status for a period of no more than 5 years, (2) was in good standing at the time they became inactive, and (3) completes and submits any forms required by the Department of Public Health." - Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker (3/24/20)

Illinois - Monthly coal mine examinations suspended

"During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, the provision of the Coal Mining Act, 225 ILCS 705/8.06, requiring the Miners’ Examining Board to hold an examination once in each calendar month, is suspended." - Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker (3/24/20)

Illinois - The license of a funeral director and embalmer intern may be renewed more than twice

"During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamations, section 10-35 of the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code, 225 ILCS 41/10-35, stating that no license of a funeral director and embalmer intern shall be renewed more than twice, is suspended. Licensees must meet all other requirements for renewal as set forth by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation." - Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker (4/7/20)

Illinois - Allowing remote notarization

"During the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation related to the outbreak of COVID-19, the requirement that a person must “appear before” a Notary Public commissioned under the laws of Illinois pursuant to the Illinois Notary Act, 5 ILCS 312/6-102, is satisfied if the Notary Public performs a remote notarization via two-way audio-video communication technology, provided that the Notary Public commissioned in Illinois is physically within the State while performing the notarial act and the transaction follows the guidance posted by the Illinois Secretary of State on its website." - Office of Governor J.B. Pritzker (3/26/20)

Illinois - Allowing curbside medical marijuana sales

"The Division has granted a variance to Section 1290.410(c)(5) of the administrative rules made pursuant to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. The purpose of this Variance is to allow cannabis dispensaries to dispense cannabis outside of the limited access area... The exchange of cash and product must take place on the dispensary’s property or on a public walkway or at the curb of the street adjacent to the dispensary." - Illinois Department of Public Health (3/17/20)

Illinois - Tax break on alcohol being used to create hand sanitizer

"With many Illinois-based distillers shifting operations to produce needed hand sanitizer during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is ensuring any alcohol purchases made for production be tax-exempt. Normally, distillers incur a tax liability based on the amount and strength of alcohol used in distillation. Last night, IDOR sent distillers guidance on how to claim a tax deduction on their alcohol purchases to remove any tax liability." - Illinois Department of Revenue (4/8/20)

Illinois - Allows remote marriage

"To obtain a marriage license, couples may appear before the county clerk and conduct a marriage ceremony using two-way audio-video communication technology, if certain conditions are met. Suspends the requirement that a fully executed marriage license must be submitted to the county clerk within 10 days. Suspends the requirement that a marriage license becomes effective one day after the date of issuance." - Governor JB Pritzker (5/1/2020)

Illinois - Suspends nursing home regulations

"Suspends provisions in the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act, the Nursing Home Care Act and the Community Care Act. For example, suspends IDPH conducting an on-site review at each facility annually. IDPH will continue to conduct on-site reviews to the extent feasible. Suspends provisions regarding pest control, milk production, mobile homes, body piercing and speech language pathology." - Governor JB Pritzker (5/1/2020)

Illinois - Suspends need for an adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to obtain an agent identification card

"Suspends certain requirements, including the need for an adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to obtain an agent identification card from IDFPR prior to beginning work at a dispensary and the need for a medical or adult use cannabis dispensing organization agent to keep an agent identification card visible at all times when in the dispensary." - Governor JB Pritzker (4/30/2020)

Illinois - Suspends certain professional educator and high school education requirements

"Suspends provisions in the teacher preparation programs. Suspends requiring internships for endorsements on professional educator licenses. Suspends requiring certain courses as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma for twelfth grade students who are unable to complete coursework as a result of the suspension of in-person instruction due to COVID-19." - Governor JB Pritzker (4/24/2020)

Illinois - Suspends in-person education and/or exam requirements to maintain/obtain professional insurance licensure

"Suspends certain provisions in the Illinois Insurance Code that require in-person education and/or exams within a certain time frame in order to maintain or obtain a professional insurance license." - Governor JB Pritzker (4/20/2020)

Illinois - Suspends limits on industrial radiography certifications and industrial radiography trainee certifications

"Suspends the provision in the Radiation Protection Act of 1990 that limits the validity of industrial radiography certifications to five years and industrial radiography trainee certifications to two years. Industrial radiography certifications and industrial radiography trainee certifications that have expired or will expire may be extended." - Governor JB Pritzker (4/20/2020)

Illinois - Allows flexibility in hospital capacity

"IDPH shall exercise discretion enforcing certain regulations. Suspends specific provisions in the Hospital Licensing Act, the Hospital Report Card Act, the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law, the Illinois Adverse Health Care Events Reporting Law of 2005, and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act. Hospitals licensed by IDPH or the State of Illinois may establish an ACF to provide room and board, nursing, and diagnosis or treatment to patients to increase regional hospital capacity." - Governor JB Pritzker (4/16/2020)

Indiana - Waives certificate of need requirements for nursing homes

"The State Health Commissioner is authorized to waive the requirements of the nursing home certificate of need statute, as the Commissioner deems necessary to respond to COVID-19 issues for nursing homes and on terms and conditions appropriate for each situation." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/19/20)

Indiana - Temporary blanket waivers for comprehensive care facilities

A series of executive orders grant dozens of waivers for paper work requirements, training requirements, personnel testing requirements, etc. for comprehensive care facilities. - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/2020)

Indiana - Waives requirements for pre-approval of care spaces

"Waives requirement of pre-approval for hospitals converting non-isolation rooms to isolation rooms, so long as they send notice to ISDH and request an inspection. Waives requirement of pre-approval for hospitals converting unused or unlicensed space to temporary patient rooms. Specifies that room and units previously approved but not in current use may be operationalized without review or inspection." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/21/20) 

Indiana - Loosened regulations on APRNs' ability to practice in certain areas

"Waives requirement for Indiana APRNs to maintain multiple practice agreements for additional practice locations during the emergency." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/19/20)

Indiana - Extending tax deadlines

"The deadline of May 15, 2020, for submitting business personal property returns… is suspended and the deadline is extended until Monday, June 15, 2020." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/23/2020)

Indiana - Waiving in-person designation of health care representatives

"The provisions in Ind. Code… requiring a healthcare representative appointment be signed in the presence of the person making the appointment when the appointment is signed by a designee is waived when the person making the appointment is a COVID-19 patient..." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/23/2020)

Indiana - Temporary licensure of recent pharmacy student graduates

"If a pharmacy student has successfully completed all required course work at an accredited school, has applied for licensure, and has supplied PLA a certificate of completion… the provisions… requiring the NAPLEX and MPJE exams be taken and a background check being completed, will be suspended." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/15/2020)

Indiana - Suspending certain in-person education requirements

"To the extent in-person or live continuing education requirements cannot be met for calendar year 2020 due to social distancing requirements imposed under the public health emergency or to the cancellation or postponement of courses during the public health emergency, any credit-hour limitations on distance education courses... are waived." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/15/2020)

Indiana - Allows home health agencies to accept home health orders

"Ind. Code… is waived to allow a home health agency to accept written orders for home health services from any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant acting within the scope of his or her practice authorized under state law." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/7/2020)

Indiana - Allows those with inactive or out-of-state licenses to obtain temporary authorization to practice

"Individuals who seek to provide health care in the State of Indiana in response to this public health emergency who are not currently licensed or certified to practice in the state, either because their Indiana license or certification is no longer active or they are licensed or certified by another state, may obtain temporary authorization to provide health care services..." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (4/7/2020)

Indiana - Allowing alcohol delivery and takeout

"Suspend the provisions of Ind. Code… to the extent it prohibits the fill, refill and carryout of alcoholic beverages in bottles or containers--thereby allowing holders of on-permises permits to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout consumption and permit the filling of a container by the holder of a beer retailer's permit..." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/23/2020)

Indiana - Exempting commercial vehicles aiding in COVID-19 relief from hours of service restrictions

"Motor carriers and drivers of commercial vehicles traveling in or through the State of Indiana and who are delivering food, goods and items to Indiana businesses and entities for purchase or use by Hoosiers as well as delivery of items for emergency preparedness and relief supplies/services are exempt from regulations restricting their hours of services..." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (3/13/2020)

Indiana - Expanding access to COVID-19 test results by health care providers

"In order to expedite and facilitate health care provider access to COVID-19 test results for their patients, Ind. Code 16-41-8-1 is waived to the extent necessary to allow the Indiana Health Information Exchange, Inc. to receive COVID-19 information in the Indiana Network for Patient Care database from the ISDH." - Office of Governor Eric Holcomb (5/8/2020)

Iowa - Reduced number of hours of experience needed for medical students to obtain a license if the higher education institution approves

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions... to the extent that they require a minimum number of hours of field experience if the higher education institution providing practitioner preparation program determines that the student has completed sufficient field experience to determine that the student should be recommended for licensure." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (3/17/20)

Iowa - Temporary medical licenses to be granted to assist with COVID-19 response for individuals who held a license within the last five years, but is currently inactive

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions... implementing administrative rules which prohibit the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, nursing, respiratory care, and practice as a physician assistant, by a licensee whose license is inactive or lapsed.  Suspension of these provisions is limited to licenses which have lapsed or expired within the five (5) years prior to this Proclamation..." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (3/17/20)

Iowa - Waiving certificate of need requirements for hospital beds

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 135.61 through 135.73 requiring an institutional health facility to obtain a certificate of need prior to operating additional bed capacity. Suspension of these provisions is limited to the duration of this proclamation and is further limited to the provision of medical assistance and treatment of victims of this public health emergency." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (3/17/20)

Iowa - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 147.137 and Iowa Admin. Code rule 653-13.11, rule 641-155.2, and other implementing administrative rules establishing preconditions, limitations, or restrictions on the provision of telehealth or telemedicine services, and I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 641-155.21(19) and 155.23(4) and other administrative rules which require face-to-face interactions with health care providers and impose requirements for residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment and for face-to-face visitations." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (3/17/20)

Iowa - Suspending oversize/overweight and hour limits for vehicles assisting in relief

"Pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.463 (6) (a) and (b) and 321E.29 and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 761-511, to the extent that those provisions restrict the movement of oversize and overweight loads of food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods, and require a permit to transport such loads.Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6) and 49 CFR § 390.23, I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.449 pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while transporting vaccines, antivirals, prescription drugs, protective equipment, and other necessary medical assets." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (3/17/20)

Iowa - Allows more flexibility in nurses' scope of practice

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rule 481-51.9(1), requiring the clear definition of authority, responsibility, and function of each nurse, to the extent that there is evidence that each nurse has been assessed competent in any area where they function." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (4/10/20)

Iowa - Staffing requirements for nursing services loosened

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rule 481-51.9(8), requiring the nursing service to have adequate numbers of licensed registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other personnel to provide nursing care, to the extent that the hospital has made all reasonable efforts to maintain sufficient staffing levels." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (4/10/20)

Iowa - Regulatory standards for hospital construction suspended

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6) and Iowa Code § 135.144(3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin Code rule 481-51.50, requiring minimum standards of construction for hospitals, to the extent that the Department of Inspections and Appeals and State Fire Marshal’s Office have approved the location as one that sufficiently addresses safety and comfort for patients and staff." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (4/10/20)

Iowa - Suspends requirement for food establishments to renew license within 60 days of expiration

"Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6(6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 137F.4 and Iowa Admin Code rule 481-30.3(6) requiring a food establishment renew its license within 60 days of expiration." - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (4/10/20)

Kansas - Allowing remote notarization

"The requirements that a person appear before a Notary Public commissioned under the laws of Kansas… are suspended and such requirements are satisfied if the Notary Public performs a remote notarization via two-way audio-video communication technology…" - Office of Governor Kim Reynolds (4/9/20)

Kansas - Suspends non-essential fire inspections

"The order temporarily suspends non-essential fire inspections for new or renewal of KDADS-licensed facilities during the State of Disaster Emergency. The suspension will remain valid until 90 days after the State of Disaster Emergency is terminated, and all fees are suspended until that time." - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (3/12/20)

Kansas - Allows nursing facilities to create alternative care sites

"This order will give nursing facilities the latitude to create alternate care sites or designated units to ensure safe care for all residents and support adherence to infection control measures…" - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (3/12/20)

Kansas - Previous licensees may be issued temporary licensure

"A temporary license, certification, or registration may be issued for persons who were previously licensed, certified, or registration issued by a Kansas state agency or any board, commission, division or other licensing authority within the State…" - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (3/12/20)

Kansas - Waives fees associated with changing an adult care home's bed capacity

"Any fees associated with reducing, increasing, or modifying an adult care home's bed capacity, are waived until 90 days following the termination of the State of Disaster Emergency." - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (3/12/20)

Kansas - Suspends rules and regulations for motor carriers

"Executive Order #20-22 will extend temporary relief for motor carriers from certain rules and regulations." - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (4/13/20)

Kansas - Extends all renewal deadlines for any occupational or professional license

"All state agencies shall extend renewal deadlines for any occupational or professional license, certificate, permit, or registration issued by a state agency or any board, commission, division, or other licensing authority within a state agency to any individual, business, or organization..." - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (4/9/20)

Kansas - Extending tax deadlines

"Kelly signed Executive Order #20-13, extending tax filing deadlines to July 15, 2020, and waiving any interest and penalties for returns and payments made on or before July 15, 2020." - Office of Governor Laura Kelly (3/23/20)

Kansas - Allowing carryout sale of alcohol

"Subject to the requirements set forth herein, the provisions of K.S.A. 41-2653 are suspended to the extent such provisions require alcoholic beverages to be consumed on-premises and require the liquor to be sold it its original container, thereby allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages for carryout consumption and permitting the sale of liquor in a container that is not the original container for any establishment holding a class A club, class B club license, or drinking establishment license." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Suspends all provisions that require supervision and restrict delegation by and to licensed healthcare providers

"Any and all provisions in Kansas Statutes relating to supervision, delegation, and related issues by and to healthcare providers that are licensed, registered or certified and ancillary workers, are temporarily suspended, in whole or part, to the extent necessary to allow licensed, registered, or certified health care professionals to provide, within a designated health care facility at which the professional is employed or contracted to work, medical services that are necessary to support the facility's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are appropriate to the professional's education, training, and experience, as determined by the facility in consultation with the facility's medical leadership" - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Allowing students enrolled in programs to volunteer or work within the facility in whatever roles are necessary

"Notwithstanding any law, regulation, or executive order to the contrary, and without the need for a clinical affiliation agreement, a designated health care facility is temporarily authorized… to allow students who are enrolled in programs to become licensed, registered, or certified health care professionals to volunteer or work within the facility in whatever roles that are necessary to support to facility's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are appropriate to the students' education, training and experience." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Allowing members of the military who are licensed, registered, or certified health care professionals to volunteer or work within the facility in whatever roles that are necessary

"Notwithstanding any law, regulation, or executive order to the contrary, and without the need for a clinical affiliation agreement, a designated health care facility is temporarily authorized… to allow licensed, registered, or certified health care professionals and emergency medical personnel who are serving in the military in any duty status, to volunteer or work within the facility in whatever roles that are necessary to support the facility's response to the COVID-19 pandemic..." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Allowing medical students, physical therapists, and emergency medical personnel to work as "respiratory therapist extenders"

"Notwithstanding any law, regulation, or executive order to the contrary, and without the need for a clinical affiliation agreement, a designated health care facility is temporarily authorized… to allow medical students, physical therapists, and emergency medical personnel to volunteer or work within the facility as "respiratory therapist extenders" under the supervision of physicians, respiratory therapists, or advanced practice registered nurses." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Allowing licensed health care professionals in any state or territory to practice in Kansas

"Any and all provisions in Kansas law are temporarily suspended, in whole or part, to the extent necessary to allow health care professionals licensed and in good standing in any state or territory in the United States to practice in Kansas without criminal, civil, or administrative penalty related to lack of licensure." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kansas - Suspending education, payment provisions as condition of licensure, certification, registration, and the renewal of a license

"Any and all provisions in Kansas law are temporarily suspended to the extent that they require for any health care professional, as a condition of licensure, certification, registration, or the renewal of a license, certification, or registration, or reinstatement within five (5) years of a lapsed license: an exam, to the extent that the exam's administration has been canceled while the emergency declaration is in effect; fingerprinting, as locations to have fingerprints taken are substantially unavailable on account of closures arising from the COVID-19 pandemic; continuing education while the emergency declaration is in effect; and payment of a fee." - Governor Laura Kelly (4/22/2020)

Kentucky - Allows direct shipment of alcohol to and from Kentucky

"House Bill 415 allows producers of beer, wine, and spirits to ship products directly to consumers in the Commonwealth." - Kentucky Legislature (3/26/20)

Kentucky - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"During the State of Emergency under Executive Order 2020-215, KRS 314.042(8), KRS 314.042(10), and 201 KAR 20:057, Section 7 are suspended. These statutes and the regulation require that Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) have collaborative agreements with physicians as a prequisite for the prescribing of legend drugs and controlled substances within the Commonwealth." - Office of Governor Andy Beshear (3/31/20)

Kentucky - Allowing previously retired workers to fill key roles

"Issued an executive order allowing critical workforce sectors to rehire previously retired workers to fill key roles. The order, which last the duration of the state of emergency, applies to law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, park rangers and corrections officers." - Office of Governor Andy Beshear (3/31/20)

Kentucky - Expedited licensing for out-of-state nurses

"Issued an executive order easing restrictions on nurses who live out of state and making it quicker to obtain a license." - Office of Governor Andy Beshear (3/30/20)

Kentucky - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Entered new orders to allow for more telehealth options in Kentucky than ever before." - Office of Governor Andy Beshear (3/25/20)

Louisiana - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

"The requirement… that each state agency or professional or occupational licensing board or commission that regulates the practice of a healthcare provider promulgate any rules necessary to provide for, promote, or regulate the use of telehealth in the delivery of healthcare services within the scope of proactive regulated by the licensing entity is hereby suspended during the term of this emergency declaration." - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/19/20)

Louisiana - Loosened regulations on ambulance staffing requirements

"The ambulance staffing requirements set forth in R.S. 40:1135.1 (A)(2)(a) are hereby temporarily suspended as to ambulance drivers, provided that such driver possesses a driver's license valid in the State of Louisiana and meets the criminals background check requirements…"  - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/19/20)

Louisiana - Loosened staffing requirements for lab personnel

"The licensing and certification requirements for Louisiana Clinical Laboratory Personnel set forth… including any requirements for criminal background checks be temporarily suspended for those laboratory personnel conducting COVID-19 testing who demonstrate molecular biology polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experience and/or for those who demonstrate serological experience in testing clinical samples... " - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/19/20)

Louisiana - Online lab simulations allowed to substitute for classroom instruction and in-person clinicals

"All Public Post-secondary institutions and proprietary schools within the state of Louisiana that are licensed by the Louisiana Board of Regents shall be allowed to substitute in-person clinical and classroom instruction with online and lab simulations for enrolled students..." - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/19/20)

Louisiana - Temporary permits for medical professionals

"The added language in sections 3329 and 4513 will address the public health emergency crisis that is taking place in Louisiana. In Chapter 33, section 3329 the board may extend the expiration of temporary permits for new graduates who have been unable to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam or reinstate an expired permit during a public health emergency." - Louisiana Department of Health, Board of Nursing (3/2020)

Louisiana - Delayed tax collection and deadline

The order extends the sales tax returns and excise tax returns deadline to May 20, 2020.

"The purpose of this guidance is to provide filing and payment extension relief for certain taxes due on March 20, 2020." - Louisiana Department of Revenue (3/19/20)

Louisiana - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"The collaborative practice agreement requirements of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for advanced practice registered nurses… are suspended for this public health emergency." - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/31/20)

Louisiana - Expanding scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

"The requirements that a certified nurse anesthetist provide anesthesia care under the direction and supervision of a physician or dentist licensed to practice in Louisiana… are temporarily suspended…" - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/31/20)

Louisiana - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"The requirement that an out-of-state registered nurse or an out-of-state advanced practice registered nurse obtain a license… in Louisiana… is temporarily suspended provided that such person has an active, unencumbered, unrestricted license… from any U.S. state, territory, or district..."

Sections 2L, 2M, 2N, and 2O establish this for licensed physicians, respiratory therapists, and APRNs as well. - Office of Governor John Bel Edwards (3/31/20)

Louisiana - Suspension of facility need review

On Facility Need Review section of website: "Suspension of Facility Need Review for Initial Applications during COVID-19 Pandemic." - Louisiana Department of Health (3/24/20)

Maine - Plastic bag ban suspended

Emergency legislation pushes back the effective date of the statewide plastic bag ban from April 22 to Jan. 15, 2021. - Maine Legislature (3/18/20)

Maine - Easing restrictions on physician assistants' ability to provide care

LD 1660 expanded the ability of physician assistants to provide health care, reducing the regulatory burden on health care providers, adjusting licensing rules, and making it easier to hire physician assistants. - Maine Legislature (3/17/20)

Maine - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants

"Mandatory supervision or collaborative practice requirements for otherwise qualified physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who are assisting or will assist in the health care response to COVID-19 are suspended during the public health emergency." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/20/20)

Maine - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses, both for in-person care and care via telehealth

"A physician, physician assistant, or nurse who is licensed in good standing in another state and who has no disciplinary or adverse action in the past ten years involving loss of license, probation, restriction or limitation, and who seeks immediate licensure to assist in the health care response to COVID-19, shall forthwith be issued an emergency Maine license that shall remain valid during the state of emergency. All physicians, physician assistants, and nurses licensed under this provision may provide health care services in-person in Maine or across state lines into Maine using telemedicine or telehealth." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/20/20)

Maine - Renewal of medical licenses

"All physicians, physician assistants, and nurses who have retired in good standing in this State within two years of the date of this Order and who have no disciplinary or adverse action in the past ten years involving loss of license, probation, restriction, or limitation with no outstanding complaints or open investigations shall have their licenses immediately reactivated upon request and such license shall remain valid during the state of emergency. License application fees for licenses issued pursuant to this paragraph are waived." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/20/20)

Maine - All health care providers may provide care through all modes of telemedicine or telehealth

"All physicians, physician assistants and nurses licensed in Maine or authorized to perform services pursuant to this emergency order shall be allowed to perform health care services through the use of all modes of telemedicine or telehealth, including video and audio, audio-only, or other electronic media to treat the residents of Maine for all medically necessary services. The enforcement of state patient privacy and confidentiality laws to the contrary are hereby suspended for the purposes of responding to the COVID-19 emergency." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/20/20)

Maine - Requirement for recreational fishing license waived

"Effective March 20, 2020 through April 30, 2020, the requirement to join the state's saltwater registry is waived. This temporary waiver is in conjunction with the Maine Department of Inland Fishery and Wildlife waiving the requirement for a fishing license." - Maine Department of Marine Resources (3/20/20)

Maine - All inland waters opened for fishing

"Governor Janet Mills Friday directed Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Judy Camuso to open all inland waters for fishing and to waive the requirement that anglers need a recreational fishing license to fish the inland waters of Maine." - News Center Maine (3/20/20)

Maine - Extending license expiration dates

"A. Any license of a polygraph examiner, polygraph examiner intern or contract security company issued by the Commissioner that is scheduled to expire during the emergency shall have its expiration date extended to 30 days following the termination of the emergency. B. Any license of a professional investigator issued by the Chief that is scheduled to expire during the emergency shall have its expiration date extended to 30 days following the termination of the emergency. C. Any license of an investigative assistant issued by the Chief that is scheduled to expire during the emergency or prior to the 180th day following the termination of the emergency shall have its expiration date extended to either the 180th day following the termination of the emergency, or for a duration equal to the number of days the emergency was in effect, whichever period is longer. D. During the emergency and for the period of 180 days following the termination of the emergency, the Board may extend beyond 180 days the 12-month periods in which full-time law enforcement officers must complete basic law enforcement training under 25 M.R.S. § 2804-C(l) and corrections officers must complete basic corrections training under 25 M.R.S. § 2804-D(l )." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (4/24/2020)

Maine - Allows remote notarization

"This Order applies to all provisions of Maine law that require a signature to be acknowledged, witnessed or notarized in person, with the exceptions of: (a) solemnizing marriages, (b) administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office, and ( c) absentee ballots in state and local elections. This Order authorizes remote, not electronic, notarization. All requirements under Maine law pertaining to the taking of sworn statements and acknowledgments by notaries and those authorized to perform notarial acts, other than the requirement to appear in person, remain in effect during the effective period of this Order." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (4/8/2020)

Maine - Dozens of health service providers allowed to use all modes of telehealth

"All Maine-licensed psychologists, psychological examiners, clinical social workers, clinical professional counselors, pastoral counselors, marriage and family therapists, alcohol and drug counselors, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, chiropractic doctors, pharmacists, pharmacy interns, pharmacy technicians, podiatrists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, speech-language pathologists, hearing aid dealers and fitters, audiologists, certified interpreters, certified deaf interpreters, limited interpreters, and limited deaf interpreters, athletic trainers, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, dietitians, radiologic technologists, respiratory care practitioners, and certified professional midwives may provide necessary health care services permitted by their licenses through the use of all modes of telehealth, including video and audio, audio-only, or other electronic media. To the extent that requirements of any state patient privacy or confidentiality law, including but not limited to 22 M.R.S. § 1711-C, would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay the provision of health care services through the use of telehealth authorized by this Order, enforcement of that law is hereby suspended. This Order does not expand the scope of practice for any type of licensee... All Maine-licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians may perform veterinary medicine services permitted by their licenses through all modes of telemedicine, including video and audio, audio-only, or other electronic media, to treat veterinary patients of the state of Maine for necessary services. This Order does not expand the scope of practice for veterinarians or veterinary technicians." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (4/6/2020)

Maine - Extending property tax deadlines

"The deadline set forth in 36 M.R.S. §652 for an organization or institution to file an application for exemption from property tax is temporarily extended from April 1 until the commitment date of the municipality or 30 days after the termination of the emergency, whichever occurs first." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/31/2020)

Maine - Extending tax deadlines

"A. The annual current use taxation application deadline set forth in 3 6 M.R. S. § 1109 (1) is extended from April 1 st until the commitments of the municipality or 30 days after the termination of the emergency, whichever occurs first. This includes the Open Space and Farmland tax programs. B. The annual current use taxation application deadline set forth in 36 M.R.S. §579 (2- A) is extended from April 1 st until the commitments of the municipality or 3 0 days after the termination of the emergency, whichever occurs first. This includes the Tree Growth tax program. 1 C. The annual current use taxation application deadline set forth in 36 M.R.S. § 1133 is extended from April 1 st until the commitments of the municipality or 30 days after the termination of the emergency, whichever occurs first. This includes the Working Waterfront tax program." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (4/9/2020)

Maine - Suspending recycling and solid waste facility operating hour requirements

"Enforcement of daily time of operation and day of the week restrictions in solid waste facility licenses… shall be suspended until 30 days following the termination of the state of emergency." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/26/2020)

Maine - Suspending provisions to allow the facilitation of out-of-state clinical trials of investigational drugs

"The relevant provisions of Maine Revised Statutes... and related rules as they apply to mail order pharmacies, are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to allow any out-of-state entity, which is dispensing an investigational drug necessary to conduct a clinical trial, to ship the investigational drug to any Maine resident participating in the trial..." - Office of Governor Janet Mills (3/26/2020)

Maryland - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Prior to this new rule, state regulation was such that only people with health care licenses issued by the state could practice in Maryland." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/16/20)

Maryland - Inactive practitioners allowed to practice

"Any inactive practitioner may, at a health care facility in Maryland, engage in activities that would have been authorized under his/her inactive license without first reinstating his/her inactive license." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/16/20)

Maryland - Removing limits on purchases of alcohol

"Maryland has removed limits on purchases of craft beer and distilled spirits purchased at tap and tasting rooms for the duration of the governor’s state of emergency, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced Wednesday." - Washington Post (3/18/20)

Maryland - Motor vehicles aiding in COVID-19 response allowed 15% tolerance above any weight limit

"Motor vehicles transporting equipment or supplies directly related to the COVID-19 state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency and needed to protect the public health, welfare, or safety are allowed a 15% tolerance above any weight limit imposed by statute." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/18/20)

Maryland - Suspending any regulation, rule, or statute that prevents laboratories from developing and performing COVID-19 tests

"The effect of any statute, rule, or regulation of an agency of the State or a political subdivision inconsistent with this order is hereby suspended, including, without limitation, any statute, rule, or regulation that would prevent laboratories in Maryland from developing and performing testing for COVID-19..." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/23/20)

Maryland - Allowing remote notarization

"An individual need not be in the physical presence of a notary public who performs a notorial act if: (a) they communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound through a communication technology…" - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/30/20)

Maryland - Allowing alcohol delivery

"Restaurants, bars, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other entities holding a State of local license to manufacture or sell alcoholic beverages… may deliver off-premises, or sell if promptly taken from the premises before consumption, alcoholic beverages in sealed containers to purchasers..." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/19/20)

Maryland - Allows broad deregulation of emergency health services

"The Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services… may suspend the effect of any provision… upon a finding that such suspension will: (a) Not endanger the public health, welfare, or society; (b) Augment the emergency medical services workforce; and (c) Improve the response to the state of emergency and catastrophic health emergency." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (3/19/20)

Maryland - Expanding telehealth services by allowing asynchronous care, like through email

"Governor Hogan issued an executive order that amends the previous May 20 order regarding telehealth by expanding these services beyond audio-only methods. With this order, healthcare providers may engage in asynchronous telehealth services, such as email, provided that any and all telehealth practices are clinically appropriate, properly documented, and otherwise comply with proper standards of care." - Office of Governor Larry Hogan (4/1/2020)

Massachusetts - Allowance of some pharmacies to make hand sanitizer

Governor Baker has allowed certain licensed pharmacists to make hand sanitizer to address state shortages. - Biz Journals (3/12/20) 

Massachusetts - Licensed medical workers able to get Mass. licenses in one day

Gov. Baker is now allowing licensed medical workers from other states to get a Massachusetts license in one day. - New England Public Radio (3/15/20)

Massachusetts  - Allowance of expanded telemedicine

"In an urgent response to the coronavirus threat, the state medical board voted to let doctors treat more patients online, made it easier for them to practice at multiple hospitals, and vowed to speed up the licensing of medical school graduates." - Boston Globe (3/16/20)

Massachusetts - Doctors given more ability to treat patients

"The new rule approved by the board makes it explicit that a doctor can treat a patient whom he or she has never seen in person as long as the physician considers it best for the patient during the health crisis." - Boston Globe (3/16/20)    

Massachusetts - Local bans on plastic bags lifted

"Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has… lifted local bans on plastic bags at grocery stores and pharmacies as part of his administration's latest steps to limit the spread of the coronavirus." - Boston Business Journal (3/25/20)

Massachusetts - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"Suspend the requirements for physician supervision and written guidelines for prescriptive practice for APRNs who have at least 2 years of supervised practice experience." - Office of Governor Charlie Baker (3/26/20)

Massachusetts - Suspending determination of need laws for projects deemed necessary for fighting COVID-19

"On March 24, the Department of Public Health issued an emergency order exempting certain activities from determination of need approval, that are necessary to address COVID-19." - Office of Governor Charlie Baker (3/24/20)

Massachusetts - Foreign-trained doctors allowed to practice

"All graduates of International Medical Schools who have satisfactorily completed at least two years of postgraduate medical training in a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association or in an accredited Canadian program shall be eligible for licensure. The Board shall review and approve such applications by expedited process." - Office of Governor Charlie Baker (4/9/20)

Massachusetts - Allows recent graduates and senior nursing students to practice nursing

"For the duration of the state of emergency, students who have graduated from registered nursing or practical nursing programs approved by the Board of Registration in Nursing ("Board") and senior nursing students who are attending the last semester of a Board approved registered nursing or practical nursing program are authorized to practice nursing..." - Office of Governor Charlie Baker (4/9/2020)

Massachusetts - Renews expired, lapsed, or retired health care providers' licenses

"Individuals who have within the last ten years held a license to practice as a health care provider that was issued by a Massachusetts licensing authority, including but not limited to a state agency, a board of registration or division with licensing authority within a state agency, and whose license, registration, certification or authorization has expired, lapsed or been retired but is not revoked, suspended, surrendered or subject to any non-disciplinary restriction shall have their licenses immediately renewed or reactivated upon request..." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (4/3/2020)

Massachusetts - Allows certain providers to conduct testing on patients without a clinical laboratory license

"On April 7, DPH issued guidance to clinical labs which... and (2) alleviates the need for certain providers to obtain a clinical laboratory license in order to conduct testing on their own patients." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (4/7/2020)

Massachusetts - Allowing clinics to use alternative sites for testing

"Through this letter, DPH authorizes use of space on, adjacent to, or reasonably proximate to the clinic premises selected by the clinic for testing of possible COVID-19 patients for the length of the declared state of emergency, provided that the clinic complies with the below Guidelines for Use of Space for Screening of Patient Presenting with possible COVID-19 Exposure or Illness, hereinafter referred to as Guidelines, and receives such local approval as may be necessary for the erection and use of temporary structures." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (5/12/2020)

Massachusetts - Remote processing of prescriptions by pharmacy technicians

"Pharmacy technicians licensed by the Board of Registration in Pharmacy ("Board") may perform remote processing of patient-specific prescriptions on behalf of a Massachusetts licensed pharmacy or health care facility without direct on-site supervision by a Board-licensed pharmacist." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (3/24/2020)

Massachusetts - Pharmacy license reciprocity

"A pharmacist holding a pharmacist license in good standing from a state other than Massachusetts may practice pharmacy on behalf of a Massachusetts licensed pharmacy or health care facility during the State of Emergency…" - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (3/24/2020)

Massachusetts - Authorizing pharmacists to refill prescriptions

"In the event a patient's prescription does not have any remaining refills and the patient's presciber is not available to authorize a new prescription, pharmacists and pharmacies are authorized to dispense a refill of medication for continuation of therapy for a chronic condition in accordance with the pharmacist's professional judgment." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (3/24/2020)

Massachusetts - Central filling of prescriptions by Massachusetts pharmacies

"Retail pharmacies and institutional pharmacies may engage in central filling activities of patient specific prescriptions or orders, including compounded sterile and complex non-sterile preparations. A pharmacy engaging in central filling for one or more pharmacies." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (3/24/2020)

Massachusetts - Waiving staffing requirements for Bureau of Addiction Services-affiliated programs

"The Department recognizes the staffing challenges that programs face at this time.  For this reason, the Department is temporarily withdrawing its BSAS [Bureau of Addiction Services] Staffing Guidelines requiring programs to staff to license capacity, and instead will allow programs to staff according to census." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (4/7/2020)

Massachusetts - Removing "on site" consultation requirements for acupuncture services

"The Department is issuing a blanket Waiver from the requirement that consultation [for acupuncture service] be provided “on site” and encourages the use of telemedicine as appropriate and in the discretion of the Qualified Health Care Professional." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (4/7/2020)

Massachusetts - Reducing required staffing of each ambulance to one EMT and/or one Paramedic

"Waiver issued to sections of 105 CMR 170.305 to reduce required staffing of each ambulance to one EMT and/or one Paramedic, depending on level of ambulance, with a driver who is a first responder, as defined in MGL c. 111, section 111C and 105 CMR 171.000 (excluding lifeguards)." - Massachusetts Department of Public Health (3/20/2020)

Massachusetts - Extending tax deadlines

"Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo today announced an agreement to extend the 2019 state individual income tax filing and payment deadline from April 15 to July 15 due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This income tax relief is automatic and taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms to qualify." - Office of Governor Charlie Baker (3/27/2020)

Massachusetts - Emergency limited license for medical school graduates

"In response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency the Board is making available an Emergency 90 Day Limited License for medical school graduates who received an appointment as an intern, resident or fellow at a Massachusetts health care facility or in a training program approved by the Board." - COVID-19 State of Emergency the Board (3/20/2020)

Michigan - DHHS loosens certificate of need requirements

"Effective immediately and continuing through April 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm, the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) may issue an emergency certificate of need to an applicant and defer strict compliance with the procedural requirements of section 22235 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.22235, until the termination of the state of emergency under section 3 of Executive Order 2020-4." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/18/20)

Michigan - Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs allowed to grant a waiver for rules that previously limited the number of hospital beds and mobile health care facilities

"Effective immediately and continuing through April 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”) may grant a waiver under section 21564 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.21564, to any licensed hospital in this state, regardless of number of beds or location, for the purpose of providing care during the COVID-19 emergency, to construct, acquire, or operate a temporary or mobile facility for any health care purpose, regardless of where the facility is located." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/18/20)

Michigan - Non-nursing assistants allowed to give a broader scope of care

"Effective immediately and continuing through April 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs may allow a non-nursing assistant such as an activity coordinator, social worker, or volunteer to help feed or transport a patient or resident in a manner consistent with the patient’s or resident’s care plan." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/18/20)

Michigan - Allows certified nursing aides to treat patients when needed, with the same autonomy as certified nurses

"Effective immediately and continuing through April 14, 2020 at 11:59 pm, Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) may issue a temporary registration as a certified nurse aide to an applicant, regardless of whether the applicant demonstrates to LARA that they have successfully completed the examination requirements of sections 21911 and 21913 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.21911 and MCL 333.21913." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/18/20)

Michigan - Temporary extension of deadline to redeem property for nonpayment of delinquent property taxes

"Strict compliance with subsection (3) of section 78g of the General Property Tax Act (“GPTA”), 1893 PA 206, as amended, MCL 211.78g(3), is temporarily suspended. As a result, the deadline by which property forfeited to a county treasurer must be redeemed is extended from March 31, 2020 until the later of (a) May 29, 2020, or (b) 30 days after the termination of the state of emergency under section 3 of Executive Order 2020-4." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/2020)

Michigan - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"Temporarily authorizes suspension of supervision and delegation requirements for Michigan APRNs by select facilities at which the professional is employed or contracted to work." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/29/20)

Michigan - Licensing requirements for EMS personnel loosened

"Strict compliance with section 20954 of the Public Health Code, MCL 333.20954, and Rules 325.22321 to 325.22325 and 325.22336 to 325.22338 of the Michigan Administrative Code is temporarily suspended so as to permit the Department to waive verification of ongoing education requirements when reviewing an application for renewal or relicensure of an emergency medical services personnel license. If the application is for relicensure, the Department may only waive verification if the applicant has been licensed by the Department within the last five years. All emergency medical services personnel licenses that have expired since March 10, 2020 or that would expire during the declared states of emergency and disaster must be deemed unexpired and not to expire until six months after the end of the declared states of emergency and disaster." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/7/20)

Michigan - Allows patients to be transported to any destination designated by medical control authority

"Strict compliance with Rule 325.22112 of the Michigan Administrative Code is temporarily suspended so as to allow for the transport of a patient, whether emergency or non-emergency, to any destination designated by the medical control authority." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/7/20)

Michigan - Licensure regulations of motor carriers are suspended for motor carriers participating in COVID-19 assistance

"The requirements administered by the Department of Treasury (“Department”) concerning licensure of motor carriers under section 5 of the Motor Carrier Fuel Tax Act (“MCFTA”), 1980 PA 119, as amended, MCL 207.215, are temporarily suspended and must not be enforced, along with any and all fines, penalties, or criminal sanctions under the MCFTA for violations of those requirements, for motor carriers providing critical assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic during the declared states of emergency and disaster." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/7/20)

Michigan - Pharmacists may dispense emergency refills

"Pharmacists located in any county in this state may dispense emergency refills of up to a sixty (60) day supply of any non-controlled maintenance medication for residents of any county in this state if, in the pharmacist’s professional judgment, failure to refill the prescription might interrupt the patient’s ongoing care and have a significant adverse effect on the patient’s well-being." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Pharmacists may temporarily operate a pharmacy in an area not designated on the pharmacy license

"Pharmacists may temporarily operate a pharmacy in an area not designated on the pharmacy license, but they may not prepare sterile drug products beyond low-risk preparations, as defined by USP standards, for immediate inpatient administration in such temporary facilities." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Pharmacists may dispense and/or administer drugs as needed to treat COVID-19

"Pharmacists may dispense and/or administer drugs as needed to treat COVID-19 pursuant to protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the National Institute of Health, or as determined appropriate by the chief medical executive of the Department of Health and Human Services or her designee." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Pharmacists may substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for a medication

"Pharmacists may substitute a therapeutically equivalent medication for a medication subject to critical shortages without the authorization of a prescriber. The pharmacist must inform the patient of any such substitution. The pharmacist must inform the prescriber within a reasonable period of time of any prescriptions or refills dispensed under this section. A prescriber must not incur any criminal or civil liability or licensing disciplinary action as the result of a pharmacist filling or refilling a prescription under this section." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Preceptors may supervise student pharmacists remotely to fulfill eligibility for licensure

"To increase the number of pharmacists who can serve patients during this time of need, preceptors may supervise student pharmacists remotely to fulfill eligibility for licensure and avoid delaying graduation." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Pharmacists may supervise pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff remotely

"Pharmacists may supervise pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff remotely. Supervision must be conducted through a real-time, continuous audiovisual camera system, capable of allowing the pharmacist to visually identify the markings on tablets and capsules. The pharmacist must have access to all relevant patient information to accomplish the remote supervision and must be available at all times during the supervision to provide real-time patient consultation. A pharmacy technician may not perform sterile or nonsterile compounding without a pharmacist on the premises." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Pharmacy license reciprocity

"Pharmacies holding a license, certificate, or other permit in good standing issued by another state must be deemed licensed to do business in this state. These out-of-state licensed pharmacies must not deliver controlled substances into this state; must abide by all Michigan regulations applicable to the practice of pharmacy, but need not have a pharmacist-in-charge with a license to practice in Michigan; and must hold a current accreditation from a national organization approved by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy before providing sterile compounding services to patients in this state." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Wholesale distributors license/certificare/permit reciprocity

"Wholesale distributors holding a license, certificate, or other permit in good standing issued by another state must be deemed licensed to do business in this state. These out-of-state wholesale distributors must not deliver controlled substances into this state and must abide by all Michigan regulations applicable to a Michigan-licensed wholesale distributor." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/19/2020)

Michigan - Expanding access to telehealth services

"All health care providers are authorized and encouraged to use telehealth services when medically appropriate and upon obtaining patient consent. To facilitate the provision of telehealth services: Written consent for treatment is not required. A health care provider may obtain verbal consent for telehealth services and must document such consent in the patient’s file before providing telehealth services. Health care providers engaging in telehealth services may use asynchronous store-and-forward technology for the transmission of medical information. Providers may use interactive, real-time, two-way audio in combination with asynchronous store-and-forward technology. Remote patient monitoring, which may or may not take place in real-time, may be conducted as part of telehealth services. As used in this order, “remote patient monitoring” means digital technology to collect medical and other forms of health data from an individual..." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/14/2020)

Michigan - Suspending in-person examination requirements to prescribe medication

"A physician is not required to conduct an in-person examination before prescribing medication or ordering the administration of medication, including controlled substances except for methadone." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/14/2020)

Michigan - Lifting certain child care licensing requirements

"Strict compliance with section 7a of the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 PA 116, as amended, MCL 722.117a, is suspended as follows: A provisional license may be issued without submission to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (“LARA”) of an acceptable plan to overcome the deficiency present in the child care organization within the time limitations of the provisional licensing period. A provisional license may be issued with an expiration date no earlier than one month after the date of issuance and no later than six months after the date of issuance, and may be renewed at the discretion of LARA until the end of the declared states of emergency and disaster. Strict compliance with subsection (2) of section 5m of the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 PA 116, as amended, MCL 722.115m(2), is suspended, as follows: An employer may establish and maintain a disaster relief child care center without a license from LARA. A school district or a nonpublic school may establish and maintain a disaster relief child care center in a school building without a license from LARA." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/13/2020)

Michigan - All state and local seasonal load restrictions are suspended for deliveries that meet immediate needs

"All state and local seasonal load restrictions are suspended for deliveries that meet immediate needs for: (1) medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; (2) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and the prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; (3) food for the emergency restocking of stores; (4) equipment, supplies, and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine, and isolation facilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (5) persons designated by federal, state, or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes; and (6) persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/12/2020)

Michigan - Temporary extension of the validity of certain driver’s licenses, state identification cards, and vehicle registrations

"Strict compliance with section 2 of 1972 PA 222 (state personal identification card), as amended, MCL 28.292, is temporarily suspended to the extent necessary to extend until June 30, 2020 the validity of a state personal identification card that expired or is set to expire between February 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/13/2020)

Michigan - Expediting issuance of permits that allow non-seasonal load restrictions to be exceeded

"All state and local road agencies must exercise their authority on an expedited basis to issue permits that allow non-seasonal load restrictions to be exceeded. These permits must reflect bridge weight tolerances, and they must apply to deliveries that meet immediate needs for: (1) medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; (2) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and the prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; (3) food for the emergency restocking of stores; (4) equipment, supplies, and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine, and isolation facilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (5) persons designated by federal, state, or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes; and (6) persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/11/2020)

Michigan - All state and local restrictions on the noise and timing of loading and deliveries are suspended for loading and deliveries that meet immediate needs

"All state and local restrictions on the noise and timing of loading and deliveries are suspended for loading and deliveries that meet immediate needs for: (1) medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; (2) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and the prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; (3) food for the emergency restocking of stores; (4) equipment, supplies, and persons necessary to establish and manage temporary housing, quarantine, and isolation facilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (5) persons designated by federal, state, or local authorities for medical, isolation, or quarantine purposes; and (6) persons necessary to provide other medical or emergency services, the supply of which may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (5/11/2020)

Michigan - Waiving requirements for inspection of life support vehicles

"Strict compliance with the annual-inspection requirements for life support vehicles and life support agencies under section 20910(1)(e)(iii) of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.20910(1)(e)(iii), is temporarily suspended as follows. The Department of Health and Human Services (“the Department”) must inspect a life support vehicle or life support agency when the Department has reason to believe that the vehicle or agency is out of compliance. Any such inspection must, to the greatest extent possible, be conducted remotely, such as by videoconferencing, telephone conversation, and electronic review of required documents." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/8/2020)

Michigan - Waiving certain ambulance-staffing requirements

"Strict compliance with the ambulance-staffing requirements under section 20921(3) of the Public Health Code, MCL 333.20921(3), is temporarily suspended as follows. An ambulance must be not operated while transporting a patient unless it is staffed with emergency medical services personnel possessing at least the following qualifications: a. If designated as providing basic life support, with at least one emergency medical technician and one medical first responder. b. If designated as providing limited advanced life support, with at least one emergency medical technician specialist and one medical first responder. c. If designated as providing advanced life support, with at least one paramedic and one medical first responder." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/8/2020)

Michigan - Extending the expiration date for emergency medical services personnel licenses

"All emergency medical services personnel licenses that have expired since March 10, 2020 or that would expire during the declared states of emergency and disaster must be deemed unexpired and not to expire until six months after the end of the declared states of emergency and disaster." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/8/2020)

Michigan - Emergency medical service license reciprocity

"Compliance with sections 20961(1)(a) and 20961(1)(d) of the Public Health Code, MCL 333.20961(1)(a) and (d), is temporarily suspended, so as to permit the Department to grant a license under Part 209 of the Public Health Code to an applicant licensed in another state without regard to whether the applicant meets the requirements of Part 209 of the Public Health Code and the rules promulgated by the Department for licensure or whether the state in which the applicant is licensed maintains licensure standards equivalent to or more stringent than those of this state." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/8/2020)

Michigan - Immunity from liability emergency medical services personnel or life support agencies providing care in support of COVID-19 response

"Consistent with section 11(4) of the Emergency Management Act, 1976 PA 390, as amended, MCL 30.411(4), any emergency medical services personnel or life support agency that provides medical services in support of this state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic is not liable for an injury sustained by a person by reason of those services, regardless of how or under what circumstances or by what cause those injuries are sustained, unless it is established that such injury or death was caused by the gross negligence, as defined in MCL 30.411(9), of such emergency medical services personnel or life support agency." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (4/8/2020)

Michigan - Temporary relief from standard vapor pressure restrictions on gasoline sales

"As result of changed behavior in response to COVID-19, there is currently an unexpected oversupply of higher volatility winter-blend gasoline, which cannot be sold as of April 1, 2020 under standard vapor pressure requirements. Temporarily extending the period of time during which the winter-blend gasoline can be sold will enable distributors to safely shift to a lower volatility gasoline supply with as little in-person work and travel as possible, while also ensuring that this state maintains a reliable supply of gasoline adequate to meet its critical needs during this emergency... Rule 4(g) of Regulation No. 564, promulgated by the Laboratory Division of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, 1987 AACS, as amended, R 285.564.4(g) of the Michigan Administrative Code, is temporarily suspended." - Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer (3/30/2020)

Minnesota - Forgoing penalties and interest on late sales and use tax payments under a new grace period

"As the state continues to respond to COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is extending the Sales and Use Tax grace period on Sales and Use Tax payments for businesses identified in Executive Order 20-04. The department will not assess penalties or interest as follows: Identified businesses with a monthly Sales and Use Tax payment due March 20, 2020, will now have until May 20, 2020, to make that payment. Identified businesses with a monthly or quarterly Sales and Use Tax payment due April 20, 2020, will now have until May 20, 2020, to make that payment." - Minnesota Department of Revenue (4/9/20)

Minnesota - Legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine

"Governor Walz today signed legislation allowing takeout sales of beer and wine from bars and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the Governor encouraged the legislature to take up the issue, the bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/17/20)

Minnesota - Exempting COVID-19 response vehicles and drivers from regulations relating to limits on weight and hours of service

"Executive Order 20-37 extends the provisions outlined in Executive Order 20-06, which exempted COVID-19 response vehicles and drivers from certain regulations, including limits on weight and hours of service. This relief helps ensure the continued free flow of critical relief supplies and other essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/17/20)

Minnesota - Exempts septic tank trucks from seasonal load restrictions

"Executive Order 20-31 exempts septic tank trucks from seasonal load restrictions on Minnesota roads. Many residential septic systems are failing to keep up with increased usage due to more Minnesotans teleworking and staying at home. Septic system service companies are receiving a high volume of calls from homeowners in need of emergency pumping services and lifting these restrictions will allow them to meet increased demand." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/8/20)

Minnesota - Authorizes the Commissioner of Health to suspend certain requirements for facilities, like waiving the bed moratorium for hospitals and nursing homes

"Executive Order 20-32 allows MDH to use regulatory flexibility to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by authorizing the Commissioner of Health to suspend certain requirements for facilities that fall within MDH’s regulatory authority. This includes waiving the bed moratorium for hospitals and nursing homes to add surge capacity and allowing the establishment of free standing alternate care sites." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/8/20)

Minnesota - Allows out-of-state mental health providers to treat Minnesota patients via telehealth services

"Executive Order 20-28 authorizes out-of-state mental health providers to treat Minnesota patients via telehealth services to help ensure that the mental health needs of Minnesotans are met during the stress and uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Minnesotans receive mental healthcare services from providers in neighboring states. Executive Order 20-28 ensures that care can continue." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/6/20)

Minnesota - Waives certain late fees and deadlines for licensure of dentists, barbers, and cosmetologists

"Executive Order 20-28 also waives certain late fees and deadlines for licensure of dentists, barbers, and cosmetologists." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/6/20)

Minnesota - Lifting hours of service requirements for truck drivers transporting livestock feed or fertilizer

"Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-27 to lift hours of service requirements for truck drivers transporting livestock feed or fertilizer, in order to support Minnesota’s agriculture community while they work to keep Minnesotans fed during the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/3/20)

Minnesota - Extends licenses of peace officers, firefighters, and private security personnel and defers continuing education requirements for peace officer licenses

"Executive Order 20-25 extends licenses of peace officers, firefighters, and private security personnel and defers continuing education requirements for peace officer licenses that are set to expire soon. The Order allows professionals on the front lines of combatting COVID-19 to maintain their licenses and continue supporting Minnesotans during the peacetime emergency." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (3/31/20)

Minnesota - Extends re-certification dates for current medical cannabis patient enrollments

"Executive Order 20-26 extends re-certification dates for current medical cannabis patient enrollments set to expire over the next several months…" - Office of Governor Tim Walz (3/31/20)

Minnesota - Allows a patient to send someone to pick up medication on their behalf

"Executive Order 20-26… allows any patient to request a temporary caregiver so they are able to send someone to pick up medication on their behalf…" - Office of Governor Tim Walz (3/31/20)

Minnesota - Allows curbside delivery and telephone pharmacist consultations for medical cannabis

"Executive Order 20-26… allows medical cannabis patients to practice social distancing with curbside delivery and telephone pharmacist consultations." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (3/31/20)

Minnesota - Waiving licensing and education requirements for health care workers

"Executive Order 20-23 will keep health care workers in the workforce by giving health-related licensing boards flexibility in licensing requirements so COVID-19 related lapses in continuing education requirements don’t impact health care professionals’ ability to provide licensed care. The Executive Order allows health care professionals to temporarily defer continuing education requirements, allows emergency medical service providers to complete continuing education through distance learning, and extends temporary permits for nurses." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (3/27/20)

Minnesota - Allowing commercial food trucks to operate at highway rest areas in Minnesota during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency

"Consistent with the FHWA’s April 3, 2020 Notice of Enforcement Discretion, the restrictions in Minnesota Statutes 2019, sections 160.08, subdivision 7, and 160.2725, subdivision 1, are waived to the extent that they prohibit commercial food trucks from operating and selling food in designated highway rest areas." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (5/1/2020)

Minnesota - Authorizing out-of-state healthcare professionals to render aid in Minnesota during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency

"Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 12.42, I authorize and request Out-of-State Healthcare Professionals who hold an active, relevant license, certificate, or other permit in good standing issued by a state of the United States or the District of Columbia to render aid in Minnesota during the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01 (including any extensions of that peacetime emergency)." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/25/2020)

Minnesota - Providing for emergency relief from regulations to motor carriers and drivers providing movement of wood products, including biomass and forage in Minnesota

"The weight-related regulatory provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2019, sections 169.8261, 169.86, and 169.87, are temporarily suspended, to the extent that those provisions require a special permit or restrict the overweight movement of wood products, including biomass and forage, used exclusively for the composting process of animals that have been depopulated due to impacts of COVID-19... Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts by transporting wood products, including biomass and forage, used exclusively for the composting process of animals that have been depopulated due to impacts of COVID- 3 19, are exempted from paragraphs (b) and (c) under the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 395.3, which are incorporated in Minnesota Statutes 2019, section 221.0314, subdivision 9, pertaining to hours of service." - Office of Governor Tim Walz (4/24/2020)

Mississippi - Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure to lift restrictions that will help reduce doctor-patient contact and allow telemedicine

"The state is allowing phone calls to count as a visit with the doctor so that those prescriptions can be refilled without an actual person to person visit." - WDAM (3/16/20) 

Mississippi - Allowing out of state physicians to practice telemedicine without being licensed in Mississippi

"The licensure board is allowing out of state physicians to practice telemedicine without being licensed here, as long as they contact the board for authorization, are licensed and in good standing where they practice." - WDAM (3/16/20)

Mississippi - Allowing remote notarization

"This Executive Order temporarily modifies 1 Miss. Admin Code Pt. 5, R.1.5 for the duration of the State of Emergency and for fourteen days thereafter and allows notaries public commissioned under the laws of this State to perform a notarization for a principal not in the physical presence of the notary public..." - Office of Governor Tate Reeves (4/6/20)

Mississippi - Delaying the expiration of driver's licenses, learner's permits, intermediate licenses, firearm permits, security guard permits, and ID cards

"In order to cope with and respond to the COVID-19 emergency… provisions… are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to delay the expiration of all valid driver's licenses, learner's permits, intermediate licenses, firearm permits, security guard permits and ID cards set to expire between March 14, 2020, and June 30, 2020. Such licenses, permits and ID cards shall instead expire on August 3, 2020." - Office of Governor Tate Reeves (4/20/20)

Mississippi - Immunity from liability for health care providers and facilities providing care in support of COVID-19 response

"Any Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Facility, absent a showing of malice, reckless disregard or willful misconduct, shall be immune from suit for civil liability for any injury or death alleged to have been sustained because of the Healthcare Professional's or Healthcare Facility's acts or omissions while providing healthcare services including, but not limited to, screening, assessing, diagnosing, treating patients for COVID-19 or otherwise acting in support of the State's COVID-19 response, including but not limited to acts or omissions undertaken because of a lack of resources..." - Office of Governor Tate Reeves (4/10/20)

Missouri - Waiving requirement that physicians have established relationship with patient before providing telehealth services

"During this event, the Missouri HealthNet Division is: Waiving the requirement that physicians must have an established relationship with the patient before providing services via telehealth." - Missouri Department of Social Services (3/23/20)

Missouri - Out-of-state health care professionals may use telehealth to care for patients

"During this event, the Missouri HealthNet Division is: Waiving the requirement that, in order to treat patients in this state with telemedicine or telehealth, health care providers shall be fully licensed to practice in this state. MHD will allow providers to bill for telehealth services as long as they are licensed in the state in which they practice." - Missouri Department of Social Services (3/23/20)

Missouri - Prescribers may issue requests for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) over the phone/over face-time

"Effective immediately, prescribers seeking requests and/or renewal of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) items via Exceptions, Pre-Certification, and/or Prior Authorization may utilize face-time and/or telephone calls in place of a face-to-face office visit." - Missouri Department of Social Services (3/23/20)

Montana - Waive late filing fee for businesses until July 15th

"Montana Secretary of State’s Office announced Tuesday it will waive the late filing fee for businesses until July 15 in response to the emergency order related to the coronavirus." - Havre Daily News (4/8/20)

Nebraska - Extending the tax deadline

"The State of Nebraska is providing this same income tax relief to state income taxpayers. The tax filing deadline will automatically be extended to July 15, 2020 for state income tax payments and estimated payments that were originally due on April 15, 2020.  Nebraskans who are able to pay earlier are encouraged to do so to help the State manage its cash flow." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/23/20)

Nebraska - Allowing takeout for mixed drinks with lids

“Our restaurants and bars have been some of the hardest hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “I've signed an executive order to help them by allowing takeout for pre-made cocktails and other alcoholic beverages as long as they are sealed with a lid.” - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/26/20)

Nebraska - Expanding access to childcare options

"The order is intended to activate nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and schools to help provide the care families need now.  It eases the licensing requirements to open and operate a temporary, non-residential child care in an alternative setting.  The executive order is effective immediately and will remain in place until 30 days after the State lifts the current COVID-19 state of emergency." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts

Nebraska - Waiving certain hauling requirements for truckers

Gov. Ricketts is "waiving certain hauling requirements for truckers delivering food and supplies, such as food products to grocery stores." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/13/20)

Nebraska - Authorizes the credentialing of retired of inactive health professionals

"The Governor’s order authorizes the credentialing of retired or inactive health professionals who wish to serve Nebraskans during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) emergency." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/27/20)

Nebraska - Defers requirements for healthcare providers to pay initial licensing fees, completing continuing education

The order "defers the requirements for healthcare providers to pay initial licensing fees or to complete continuing education." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/27/20)

Nebraska - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Additionally, the Governor is temporarily waiving the restrictions on licensed out-of-state medical professionals working in Nebraska." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/27/20)

Nebraska - Suspends limitations on number of physician assistants that can be supervised by one physician

"The executive order temporarily suspends the limitations on the number of physician assistants that a physician may supervise." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/27/20)

Nebraska - Suspended certificate of need laws for hospital beds

"The provisions of Neb. Rev. Stat.§ 71-5829.03(3)-(4) which require certificates of need for long-term care and rehabilitation beds and impose a moratorium on such beds are temporarily suspended in order to permit hospitals to add or convert any beds to long-term care or rehabilitation beds in appropriate locations to care for COVID-19 patients who no longer require acute care support and to prepare for patients who require longer lengths of stay for supportive care." - Office of Governor Pete Ricketts (3/31/20)

Nevada - Allowing the delivery of cannabis

"Section 5: Retail cannabis dispensaries may operate by delivery..." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (3/20/20)

Nevada - Expiration dates, renewal fees, and regulatory fines on business and occupational licenses extended for 90 days

"The expiration date on all active business and occupational licenses, including those dependent on the payment of a renewal fee, regulatory fine, or submission of mandatory reporting forms, issued by the DMV for new and used car dealerships, salespersons, automobile wreckers and dismantlers, body shops, garages, emissions stations, emissions inspectors, drive schools, short- and long-term lessors, and salvage pools, are extended for a period of 90 days from the expiration date shown on the license or registration for those licenses or registrations expiring during the time period of March 16, 2020 and April 30, 2020." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (3/20/20)

Nevada - All statutory and regulatory requirements related to distance education are suspended

"All statutory and regulatory requirements related to applications for Programs of Distance Education are suspended for the duration of the Declaration of Emergency regarding COVID-19…" - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (3/20/20)

Nevada - Any time limit set by state statute or regulation of any legal action is tolled until 30 days after the state of emergency is terminated

"Any specific time limit set by state statute or regulation for the commencement of any legal action is hereby tolled from the date of this Directive until 30 days from the date the state of emergency declared on March 12, 2020 is terminated." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (4/1/20)

Nevada - Licensing boards may waive certain licensing requirements for providers of medical services

"Professional licensing boards regulating providers of medical services shall temporarily waive certain licensing requirements to allow the practice of currently unlicensed skilled medical professionals during the pendency of the COVID-19 crisis." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (4/1/20)

Nevada - Waivers and exemptions from professional licensing requirements include those in other states, those who cannot pay licensing fees, failure to continue education requirements, and retirees

"The waiver and exemption of professional licensing requirements shall apply to qualified providers of medical services during this declared emergency who currently hold a valid license in good standing in another state, providers of medical services whose licenses currently stand suspended for licensing fee delinquencies, providers of medical services whose licenses currently stand suspended for failure to meet continuing medical education requirements, and providers of medical services who have retired from their practice in any state with their license in good standing." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (4/1/20)

Nevada - Healthcare providers may supervise students in their profession to provide any emergency medical services

"A provider of medical services during this emergency is authorized to supervise students in their profession to provide any emergency medical services as is appropriate to the student's knowledge and skill level without further licensure or certification." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (4/1/20)

Nevada - All healthcare providers are authorized to practice outside the scope of their specialization, within the limits of their competency

"All providers of medical services in the State of Nevada are authorized to practice outside the scope of their specialization, within the limits of their competency, to the extent necessary to augment and bolster Nevada's healthcare system during the COVID-19 crisis." - Office of Governor Steve Sisolak (4/1/20)

New Hampshire - Allowing for take-out or delivery beer or wine

"Temporary authorization for take-out or delivery beer or wine. All restaurants, diners, bars, saloons, private clubs or any other establishment that have both a restaurant license and on premise license from the New Hampshire liquor commission shall be temporarily authorized to allow for takeout or delivery of beer or wine." - Office of Governor Sununu (3/18/20)

New Hampshire - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

"All medical providers shall be allowed to perform health care services through the use of all modes of teleheatlh, including video and audio, audio-only, or other electronic media, to treat the residents of the state of NH for all medically necessary services." - Office of Governor Sununu (3/18/20)

New Hampshire - Licensed, out of state personnel aiding in COVID-19 mitigation/response/preparation may practice in New Hampshire

"Any out-of-state personnel, including, but not limited to, medical personnel, entering New Hampshire to assist in preparing for, responding to, mitigating the effects of, and recovering from COVID-19 shall be permitted to provide services in the same manner as prescribed in RSA 21-P:41 and any other applicable statutory authority with respect to licensing and certification regarding mutual aid during emergencies for a period of time not to exceed the duration of this emergency." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/13/20)

New Hampshire - Any state-owned properties may be repurposed to help in preparing for, responding to, or mitigating the effects of COVID-19

"Any state-owned properties that DAS, in consultation with the Division of Public Health and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, determines are suitable for use to assist in preparing for, responding to, mitigating the effects of, or recovering from COVID-19 shall be made available to the Division of Public Health and/or the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for this purpose, notwithstanding any state or local law that would restrict, delay, or otherwise inhibit such use." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/13/20)

New Hampshire - Allowing licensing and credentialing requirements to be waived for any hospital or health facility

"To ensure hospitals and other health facilities are able to adequately treat patients who may be infected with COVID-19 or who are legally isolated as a result of COVID-19, and to prevent overburdening of existing resources of hospitals and health facilities, the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services may waive any of the licensing or credentialing requirements of RSA Chapter 151 and accompanying regulations with respect to any hospital or health facility. Any waiver shall include alternative measures that, under the circumstances, will allow the facilities to treat legally isolated patients while protecting public health and safety. Any waivers granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be posted with the hospital or health facility's existing license." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/13/20)

New Hampshire - Allowing licensing and credentialing requirements to be waived for day care facilities

"The Commissioner of Health and Human services, in consultation with the State Fire Marshall, shall have the authority, on a case by case basis, to waive licensing requirements for day care facilities to allow for temporary provision of child care by ( 1) employers for children of their employees; (2) licensed day care facilities in situations where temporary exceedance of maximum enrollment may be necessary; and (3) any other circumstance in which the Commissioner determines that waiver of licensing requirements is necessary and will not adversely impact child safety. The State Fire Marshall shall have the authority to waive, on a case by case basis, the requirements of the provisions of the fire code related to child centers, consistent with the provisions of this paragraph." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/13/20)

New Hampshire - Allowing remote notarization

"In order to provide New Hampshire citizens and businesses with a secure and safe method by which to execute important legal documents, and to promote and secure the safety and protection of the people of New Hampshire, for the duration of the State of Emergency declared in Executive Order 2020-04 and subject to the provisions of this Order, a notarial officer commissioned under the laws of this State may perform a notarization for an individual not in the physical presence of the notary officer if: (A) the individual and the notarial officer can communicate simultaneously by sight and sound through an electronic device or process at the time of the notarization..." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/23/2020)

New Hampshire - Allowing pharmacists and pharmacies to compound and sell hand sanitizer

"To promote and secure the safety and protection of the people of New Hampshire, all licensed New Hampshire pharmacists and pharmacies may compound and sell hand sanitizer over the counter…" - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/23/2020)

New Hampshire - Authorization for out-of-state pharmacies to act as a licensed mail-order facility within the State

"To protect the public's health and increase access to medical care in New Hampshire, and to promote and secure the safety and protection of the people of New Hampshire, any out-of-state pharmacy seeking to ship investigational drugs to clinical trial participants who reside in New Hampshire and who are unable to retrieve the investigational drugs from the out-of-state pharmacy due to the novel coronavirus shall be allowed to operate as if the out-of-state pharmacy were licensed as a mail-order pharmacy within the state of New Hampshire... " - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/23/2020)

New Hampshire - Authorization for out of state medical providers to provide medically necessary services

"To protect the public's health and increase access to medical care in New Hampshire, any out-of-state medical provider whose profession is licensed within this State shall be allowed to perform any medically necessary service as if the medical provider were licensed to perform such service within the state of New Hampshire..." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/23/2020)

New Hampshire - Allowing out of state providers to provide medically necessary services via telehealth

"To further the temporary remote instruction and support of New Hampshire children, in-state and out-of-state medical providers shall be allowed to perform health care services through the use of all modes of telehealth, including video and audio, audio-only, and/or other electronic media to New Hampshire children enrolled within a New Hampshire school or in a school in another state..." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (3/23/2020)

New Hampshire - Allowing agents to consent to clinical trials

"For any patient experiencing severe, advanced COVID-19 symptoms or COVID-19 complications who does not have the capacity to consent himself or herself to an experimental treatment, it is hereby ordered that the provisions of RSA 137-J:5, V(d) are waived and that an agent, as defined in RSA 137-J:2, III and RSA 137-J:5, shall have the authority to consent to experimental treatments, authorized by an Institutional Review Board, on the patient for COVID19 symptoms or complications for the duration of the State of Emergency as extended and in accordance with the terms of Paragraph 3 below." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (4/30/2020)

New Hampshire - Authorizing temporary health partners to assist in responding to the COVID-19 in long-term care facilities

"To address staffing shortages at long-term care facilities and meet the needs of some of New Hampshire's most vulnerable populations, the position of temporary health partner is hereby authorized to work in a skilled nursing facility, notwithstanding any provision of RSA 326-B:14... The position of temporary health partner shall not be considered a substitute for the licensure under RSA 326-B:14 but is intended to assist the work of licensed nursing assistants. The temporary health partner shall not perform services independently, and must be supervised by licensed nurses at all times." - Office of Governor Chris Sununu (5/11/2020)

New Jersey - Reactivating health care licenses of those previously licensed (in the last five years)

"Authorizing the Division of Consumer Affairs to temporarily reactivate the licensees of healthcare professionals previously licensed in the State within the last five years. This will enable doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who have recently retired or have allowed their licenses to lapse to temporarily reactivate their license." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (4/1/20)

New Jersey - Granting temporary medical licenses to doctors licensed in foreign countries

"Authorizing the Division of Consumer Affairs to grant temporary medical licenses to doctors who are licensed and in good standing in foreign countries." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (4/1/20)

New Jersey - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)

"Temporarily waiving certain scope of practice restrictions on Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) related to physician collaboration, including a rule requiring that an APN enter into a joint protocol with a collaborating physician and a rule requiring APNs to obtain authorization from a collaborating physician in order to dispense narcotic drugs.New Jersey    Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs)    Temporarily waiving certain scope of practice restrictions on Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) related to physician collaboration, including a rule requiring that an APN enter into a joint protocol with a collaborating physician and a rule requiring APNs to obtain authorization from a collaborating physician in order to dispense narcotic drugs." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (4/1/20)

New Jersey - Expanding scope of practice for Physician Assistants (PAs)

"Temporarily waiving certain scope of practice restrictions on Physician Assistants (PAs) related to physician supervision, including a rule requiring PAs to obtain physician authorization prior to prescribing a controlled dangerous substance." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (4/1/20)

New Jersey - Allowing nurses to conduct evaluations of elderly by phone or video-chat

"In a temporary rule waiver adopted today, the Division is now allowing supervising nurses to conduct required plan-of-care evaluations by phone or video-chat instead of in person. The change guards against the spread of COVID-19 from healthcare workers to elderly and medically fragile individuals by making in-person supervisory visits, which typically occur at least every 60 days, unnecessary." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (3/30/20)

New Jersey - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

"The Governor directed departments to identify opportunities to support broader access and departments have identified opportunities to do so, including the waiving of co-pays, allowing the use of telephonic telehealth and tele-mental health services, allowing patients to use services from the comfort of their own homes, and increasing flexibility in the technological platforms used to deliver services and more." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (3/22/20)

New Jersey - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"Suspends requirement for NPs to have joint protocol with a collaborating physician, requirement for chart review, requirement for physician name on prescriptions, and waives rule requiring APNs to obtain authorization from a collaborating physician in order to dispense narcotic drugs." - Office of Governor Phil Murphy (4/1/20)

New Jersey - Suspending certificate of need laws for hospital beds

"In the event of a State of Emergency as declared by the Governor of New Jersey in an Executive Order, that so significantly affects the ability of a licensed inpatient facility to offer its full array of services or forces it to evacuate its patients/residents, or causes a licensed facility to accommodate evacuated patients/residents from another facility, the Department of Health (Department) will not require prior Department approval of temporary waivers for the following requirements from licensed facilities that are affected by such an event: 1. Exceeding licensed bed capacity; 2. Bed additions requiring prior Certificate of Need approval; 3. Physical space requirements; or 4. Staff qualifications requirements." - New Jersey Department of Health (3/13/20)

New Mexico - Increasing oversize loads to 88,000 pounds for relief delivery

"I direct the New Mexico Department of Transportation to create a streamlined process for Emergency Expedited Special Permits (EESP) that would allow overweight vehicles and loads that can be easily dismantled or divided to travel in New Mexico with a total gross weight with load up to eighty-eight thousand (88,000) pounds... To be eligible for an EESP, the applicant's vehicle and load must be primarily delivering relief supples." - Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (4/1/20)

New Mexico - Allowing Canadian nurses to provide care

"All nursing professionals who are licensed and in current good standing, in any province or territory of Canada, may be authorized… to work in any New Mexico healthcare facilities during the pendency of any declared public health emergency arising from the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (4/2/20)

New Mexico - Motor Vehicle Division temporarily waiving late fees and penalties

"I direct the Secretary of TRD to issue an instruction to employees at MVD that temporarily waives the collection of all late fees or other penalties that are triggered by the failure of an applicant to timely submit an application or other required documentation for a registration, license, permit, or other privilege under the Motor Vehicle Code." - Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (3/30/20)

New Mexico - Allowing remote notarization

"The NCEU is directed not to recommend any form of discipline for any notary public who performs a notorial act through audio-video technology…" - Office of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (3/30/20)

New York - Restaurants and bars allowed to sell all forms of alcohol to-go

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that as part of the new state-mandated take-out and delivery-only rule, restaurants and bars would also be allowed to sell all forms of alcohol to-go. - New York State Liquor Authority (3/17/20)

New York - Plastic bag ban suspended

"New York won’t enforce it’s recently enacted plastic bag ban for another two months, the state announced this week... pushing back the enforcement date from April 1 to May 15. While the ban went into effect at the beginning of March, the enforcement was delayed due to a suit brought on by New York businesses who argue they had little time to prepare. The suit is essentially on hold as the courts prioritize cases amid the coronavirus crisis and critics claim the ban is a health risk. Industry groups called the move a blessing for retailers as well as customers who are worried about using reusable bags at a time when contamination is a key concern." - NY Daily News (3/19/20)

New York - Suspension of Certificate on Need Laws for hospitals

Hospitals no longer need to seek the state’s approval before making changes to their "physical plants," like temporarily increasing their bed capacities. - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Suspending laws mandating which cleaning products schools and the state may purchase

Laws that mandate that the only cleaning products that schools and the state can purchase are those that “minimize adverse impacts on children’s health and the environment” was suspended. Similarly, the procurement guidelines on buying these products have been relaxed. - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Criminal background checks for child care providers suspended

A law mandating that child care providers undergo criminal background checks has been suspended. - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Easing regulations on day care facilities

"Twenty-one other sections of Social Services regulations and a couple of sections of Social Services law dealing with day care have been put on ice. These suspensions will end capacity limits for day care facilities, let children of any age attend them and eliminate mandatory staffing minimums." - Politico (3/19/20)

New York - Construction, building code, and conservation laws relaxed when creating new hospitals, renovating hospitals

"Every state or local law dealing with construction, energy conservation, or building codes can be suspended by the Commissioner of Health when creating new hospitals or extensions to existing ones." - Politico (3/19/20)

New York - Expansion of COVID-19 testing abilities

"The Commissioner of Health will be able to establish a new training program that will let individuals who are not currently registered as nurses engage in tasks that one currently needs to be licensed for. They’ll be able to “collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens” from potentially infected individuals and will generally be able to perform all other tasks “otherwise limited to the scope of practice of a licensed or registered nurse” as long as they’re being supervised by a nurse... People who are not licensed in the state as clinical laboratory technicians, but do “meet the federal requirements for high complexity testing,” will be allowed to preform Covid-19 tests. Doctors and nurse practitioners will be able to give nurses blanket authority to perform Covid-19 tests without supervision." - Politico (3/19/20)

New York - Allows individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by staff of the opposite sex

"Individuals with disabilities will no longer need to be “accompanied by same gender staff” while being transported from state facilities. This will “permit providers to utilize staff members in the most effective means possible.”" - Politico (3/19/20)

New York - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Physicians who are licensed anywhere in the country are now able to practice in New York without getting a state license. The same goes for other health care licensees. "  - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

"Every state law and rule dealing with telemedicine is suspended to make it easier for remote visits to occur." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Relaxed the approval process for administering a drug outside of the "state's preferred list"

The approval process needed for giving a patient a drug that’s not on the state’s preferred list is suspended “to the extent necessary to allow patients to receive prescribed drugs, without delay.” Also, a law that requires managed care providers to consult with prescribers before deciding whether to cover some drugs was suspended. - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Expanding scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

"Suspends requirement for written practice agreement or collaborative relationship with a physician until April 22, 2020." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/23/20)

New York - Expanding scope of practice for Physician Assistants (PAs)

"Paragraph 1 of Section 6542 of the Education Law and Subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 94.2 of Title 10 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to permit a physician assistant to provide medical services appropriate to their education, training and experience without oversight from a supervising physician without civil or criminal penalty related to a lack of oversight by a supervising physician." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/23/20)

New York - Loosened limits on what kind of vehicles can be driven in the state

Some limits on what kinds of vehicles can be on New York roads have been suspended, to let those “validly registered in other jurisdictions” participate in response efforts. - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (3/19/20)

New York - Allowing New Yorkers to obtain marriage licenses and perform ceremonies remotely

"Any issuance of a marriage license application, marriage license, or witnessing or solemnizing of the marriage ceremony, that is required under New York State law is authorized to be performed utilizing audio-video technology provided that the following conditions are met: The couple seeking the marriage services, must present valid photo ID to verify identity whenever required by law the during the video conference, not merely transmit it prior to or after; the video conference must allow for direct interaction between the couple and the town or city clerk, the witness or the person to solemnize the marriage (e.g. no pre-recorded videos of the person signing or engaged in the marriage ceremony)..." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (4/18/20)

New York - Allowing Canadian nurses to provide care

"Sections 6512 through 6516, and 6905, 6906 and 6910 of the Education Law and Part 64 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners or a substantially similar title licensed and in current good standing in any province or territory of Canada, to practice in New York State without civil or criminal penalty related to lack of licensure..." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (4/16/20)

New York - Authorizes licensed pharmacists to order COVID-19 tests, antibody tests

"Section 6801 of the Education Law, to the extent necessary to authorize licensed pharmacists to order COVID-19 tests, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to detect SARS-CoV-2 or its antibodies, and to administer COVID-19 tests subject to certificate of waiver requirements pursuant to the federal clinical laboratory improvement act of nineteen hundred eighty-eight, in patients suspected of a COVID-19 infection, or suspected of having recovered from COVID-19 infection, subject to completion of appropriate training developed by the Department of Health..." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (4/25/20)

New York - Designating licensed pharmacists as qualified healthcare professionals for the purpose of directing a limited service laboratory and conducting COVID-19/antibody tests

"Subdivision (6) of section 571 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to permit licensed pharmacists to be designated as a qualified healthcare professional for the purpose of directing a limited service laboratory, pursuant to subdivision 579(3) of the Public Health Law, to test patients suspected of a COVID-19 infection or its antibodies provided that such test is FDA-approved and waived for use in a limited service laboratory..." - Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo (4/25/20)

North Carolina - Lifted "Certificate of Need" law regarding hospital beds

"North Carolina temporarily lifted a regulation requiring hospitals to get state permission to add beds. The rule said hospitals couldn’t add more than 10% of their licensed bed capacity without state approval... Applying for a CON can cost as much as $500,000, and the state board which grants CONs doesn’t meet for months." - The Tribune Papers (3/15/20)

North Carolina - Waiving hours of service, size and weight restrictions and penalties for vehicles aiding in emergency relief efforts

"DPS, in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation ("DOT"), shall waive the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by DPS pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-381. DPS, in conjunction with DOT, shall waive certain size and weight restrictions and penalties... for vehicles transporting equipment and supplies for the restoration of utility services, and vehicles carrying essentials and equipment for any debris removal in support of emergency relief efforts in the Emergency Area." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/14/20)

North Carolina - Waive enforcement of constraints that preventing the acquiring of medical supplies/equipment

"Section 1 delegates to the Secretary of Health & Human Services authority to waive or modify the enforcement of any legal or regulatory constraints that would prevent or impair: ... (c) Temporarily adding dialysis stations, (d) Temporarily relocating dialysis stations, (e) Temporarily acquiring CT or MRI scanners, or (f) Allowing an ambulatory surgical facility to operate as a temporary hospital." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Deregulating requirements on child care facilities

"Section 2 authorizes child care facilities to remain open or reopen under new guidelines that adapt regulatory requirements to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Order delegates to the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to waive or modify enforcement of certain regulations, including: Regulations on child care facility requirements, activities, records, orientation, continuing education, food, and attendance, including without limitation 10A N.C. Admin. Code 09 .0201, .0508, .0510, .0703(c) and (d), .0901, .1101(a), .1401(a) and (f), .1402(b), .1709, .1718, .1721(a)(1) and (a)(2), .2318(6), .2504, .2508, .2830, .3003, and .3005." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Section 3 takes several actions meant to add additional health care workers to the North Carolina system. First, in Section 3(A), the Governor delegates to each professional health care licensure board the authority to waive or modify enforcement of any legal or regulatory constraints that would prevent: (i) Allowing practice in North Carolina by health care professionals that are licensed in other states, but not in North Carolina..." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Allowing retired or inactive health care professionals to provide care

"Section 3 takes several actions meant to add additional health care workers to the North Carolina system. First, in Section 3(A), the Governor delegates to each professional health care licensure board the authority to waive or modify enforcement of any legal or regulatory constraints that would prevent: (ii) Allowing retired or inactive health care professionals to provide care..." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Allowing unlicensed volunteers/students to provide certain care

"Section 3 takes several actions meant to add additional health care workers to the North Carolina system. First, in Section 3(A), the Governor delegates to each professional health care licensure board the authority to waive or modify enforcement of any legal or regulatory constraints that would prevent: ... (iii) Allowing skilled, but unlicensed volunteers to provide care; and/or (iv) Allowing students to provide care if they are at an appropriately advanced stage of professional study." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Allowing mental health and substance use disorder treatment services and support services be provided by telehealth

"Section 5 suspends certain regulations that could prevent or impair providing mental health and substance use disorder treatment services and support services for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (“MH/DD/SAS” services). To allow MH/DD/SAS services to continue to be provided—and to authorize these services to be provided by telehealth..." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Waivers of enforcement of in-home aides rules

"Section 6(B) allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive or modify the enforcement of regulations on initial assessments or supervisory visits, adapting those provisions for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is delegated authority to waive or modify enforcement of the following regulations: Regulations on initial assessment for agencies providing in-home aide services, including but not limited to 10A N.C. Admin. Code 13J .1107.; Regulations on supervisory visits for in-home caregivers, including but not limited to 10A N.C. Admin. Code 13J .1110.; Any regulations that are related to the provisions listed above." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Carolina - Additional time for health care providers to screen new hires because of disruptions to fingerprinting

"Because of the COVID-19 crisis, private health care providers are facing extreme difficulty in maintaining their workforce. Section 6(C) allows private health care providers, other than child care providers, to avoid a problem indirectly caused by certain counties failing to offer fingerprinting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some counties currently fail to offer fingerprinting. Without fingerprinting, national background checks cannot be performed, although state background checks can still be performed. National background checks are required for certain new hires. Therefore, under Section 6(C), the Secretary of Health and Human Services is delegated the authority to give health care providers (other than child care providers) additional time to complete the national background check part of a new hire’s application." - Office of Governor Roy Cooper (4/8/20)

North Dakota - Identifying regulatory burden in state agencies

Burgum ordered state agencies to identify "any state laws, rules or regulations that hinder or delay their ability to render maximum assistance or continue to deliver essential services to citizens during the COVID-19 crisis. State elected officials and other executive branch offices were invited to do the same."  - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (3/20/20)

North Dakota - Expansion of access to Telehealth Services

Burgum suspended several regulatory and statutory requirements in order to "allow for expanded telehealth services in North Dakota as residents practice social distancing and medical facilities try to limit in-person visits to slow the spread of COVID-19." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (3/20/20)

North Dakota - Recognition of expired licenses and registrations

"The... executive order requires law enforcement agencies and private sector businesses to recognize any North Dakota driver’s license or motor vehicle registration that expired on or after March 1, 2020, as valid and current as long as the executive order is in effect." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (3/20/20)

North Dakota - Loosening regulatory requirements for hospital and health care facilities

"The licensing requirements for hospitals and other health care facilities… and all related provisions under the North Dakota Administrative Code are hereby suspended…"- Office of Governor Doug Burgum (3/20/20)

North Dakota - Allowing pharmacists to issue a 30-day extension of medication

"… to allow licensed pharmacists to provide emergency refills for maintenance medications in quantities of up to a thirty day supply." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (3/21/20)

North Dakota - Background checks for health licenses suspended

"The nationwide criminal history record check requirements under North Dakota healthcare or behavioral health licensing statutes… are temporarily suspended during this declared state of emergency." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (4/3/20)

North Dakota - In-person requirements for health care licensing renewals are suspended

"All in-person continuing education requirements for licensing renewals for health care or behavioral health licensing statutes and regulations are suspended during the pendency of this declared emergency." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (4/3/20)

North Dakota - COVID-19 donations to state agencies not subject to "fair market value"

"N.D.C.C. 54-44-04.6(3) [[Surplus property must be transferred at fair market value to state agencies, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations eligible to receive federal surplus property under the Federal Property Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended.]] shall be suspended as it pertains to the donation or transfer of surplus property that is directly related to the COVID-19 response, limited to, medical supplies or person protective equipment being transferred to the North Dakota Department of Health or other state agency, political subdivisions, or any eligible charitable organizations." - Office of Governor Doug Burgum (4/8/20)

Ohio - Permanently expanded the duties of certified registered nurse anesthetists

The Ohio legislature permanently expanded the duties of certified registered nurse anesthetists to include things like ordering and administering drugs and IV fluids, ordering diagnostic tests, and directing nurses to administer drugs. - Ohio Legislature, H.B. 197 (4/1/20)

Ohio - Relaxing licensing requirements for newly graduated nursing students

State lawmakers have temporarily relaxed licensing requirements to get newly graduated nursing students on the job immediately. - Ohio Legislature, H.B. 197 (4/1/20)

Ohio - Allowing the sale and delivery of alcohol

"The Ohio Liquor Control Commission passed an emergency rule to allow establishments with an existing on-premises liquor permit to sell and deliver alcohol, including high-proof liquor in limited quantity, for off-premises consumption." - Office of Governor Mike DeWine (4/7/20)

Ohio - Allowing hospitals and physicians to access and use commercial laboratories for the analysis of COVID-19 tests

"Hospitals and physicians are permitted to access and use commercial laboratories for the analysis of COVID-19 tests to facilitate and maximize the testing of Ohioans. Physicians should monitor the time it takes to get test results and, if the time is unacceptable, healthcare providers should resume sending specimens to an Ohio hospital system laboratory or the Ohio Department of Health Public Health Laboratory for more timely processing." - Ohio Department of Health (4/20/20)

Ohio - Waiving single trip permit requirements for commercial motor vehicles

"The requirement for commercial motor vehicles traveling into or through the State of Ohio to file an application for and receive a single trip permit as required by section 5728.03 of the Ohio Revised Code and the International Fuel Tax Agreement is hereby waived for commercial motor vehicles engaged in transporting emergency relief supplies to affected areas of the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Mike DeWine (4/16/20)

Oklahoma - Allowing health-care providers to provide care via telemedicine with no pre-existing relationship required

"The preexisting patient relationship requirement for telemedicine…is hereby waived so long as this Order is in effect." - Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt (3/17/20)

Oklahoma - Interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Any medical professional who holds a license, certificate, or other permit issued by any state that is a party to the Emergency Management Compact evidencing the meeting of qualifications for the practice of certain medical services… shall be deemed licensed to practice in Oklahoma... " - Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt (3/17/20)

Oklahoma - Regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicles providing assistance for relief

"This Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations that are providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to the COVID-19 outbreaks…" - Office of Governor J. Kevin Stitt (3/17/20)

Oklahoma - Allowing retired medical professionals re-entry into the workforce

"Removal of barriers of entry for retired medical professionals from re-entering the workforce. Medical professionals who have lapsed or inactive licenses or certifications may have their single-state license or certification reinstated if they submit a reinstatement application and fee proscribed by their respective licensing boards and meet the qualifications for licensure or certification..." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oklahoma - Removing limits on the amount of PAs, CRNAs, and NPs licensed physicians may supervise

"As long as this Executive Order is in effect a licensed physician shall be able to supervise any number of Physician Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners, and shall be able to supervise the Physician Assistants, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Practitioners using remote or telephonic means." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oklahoma - Waiving certificate of need requirements

"State certificate of need requirements for adding beds are waived and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations, including waivers of certain regulations due to COVID-19 emergency, will pre-empt state statutes and rules relating to expanding capacity." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oklahoma - Waiving Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) certification requirements for testing laboratories

"Oklahoma State regulations requiring Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) certification for testing laboratories are hereby suspended until further notice for the universities named below and for the narrow purposed described herein." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oklahoma - Waiving statutory or rule-based time requirements for completing training and becoming certified as a peace officer

"Any statutory or rule-based time requirements for completing training and becoming certified as a peace officer for duly appointed or elected peace officers during the existence of this emergency are hereby waived during the period of the emergency and for thirty days after the emergency is declared to be over." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oklahoma - Allowing flexibility in spaces used for patient care

"For the duration of the health emergency declared herein, any physical space offered and found to be safe for patient care by a Medicare-or Medicaid-certified and Oklahoma-licensed hospital (including psychiatric and critical access facilities) or skilled nursing facility shall be deemed an annex to a provider's license." - Office of Governor Kevin Stitt (4/8/2020)

Oregon - Renewal of medical licenses

"Nik Blosser, Gov. Brown's chief of staff, said the state would immediately take steps to expand the health care workforce, by automatically renewing the license of any medical professional whose license had recently expired, for instance." - KGW8, NBC (3/16/20)

Oregon - Allows people to pump their own gas

"Effective immediately today, until April 11 (two weeks from effective date), retail facilities of Class 1 flammable liquid transportation fuels [formerly] prohibited from offering self-service refueling shall: 1. Prepare, implement and enforce social distancing policies consistent with guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, 2. Require an attendant to be on duty to supervise self-service refueling consistent with the social distancing policies and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through sanitization measures, and 3. Designate an employee at each station to implement and enforce the social distancing policies." - Office of State Fire Marshal (3/28/20)

Oregon - Plastic bag ban suspended

"Oregon suspended its brand-new ban on plastic bags this week..." - AP News (4/8/20)

Pennsylvania - Licensed Health Care Practitioners Can Provide Telemedicine Services to Pennsylvanians During Coronavirus Emergency

"Health care professionals licensed under any of the Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) licensing boards can provide services to patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/18/20)

Pennsylvania - Issuance of Temporary Licenses to Health Care Practitioners to be Expedited During Coronavirus Emergency

"Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request for a suspension to allow expedited temporary licensure to practitioners in other states to provide services to Pennsylvanians, for the duration of the coronavirus emergency." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/18/20)

Pennsylvania - Certain regulations suspended for Nurse-Midwives

"Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to allow the suspension of certain regulations concerning Certified Nurse Midwives. The Department of State’s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs identified several regulations that could limit or delay the number of available practitioners to provide much-needed assistance." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/20/20)

Pennsylvania - Medical Doctors’ Two-Facility Institutional License Limit Suspended During Coronavirus Emergency

"In order to increase the number of practitioners available to respond to COVID-19, Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend the limitations on the number of institutions with which a medical doctor can be affiliated and the requirement to report those affiliations to the Board of Medicine for the duration of the disaster declaration. The Governor has suspended the institutional-license requirement that limits qualified medical doctors to practicing at no more than two (2) affiliated facilities." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/20/20)

Pennsylvania - In-Person Requirement Suspended for Court Reporters

"Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend the requirement for physical presence of notaries who are court reporters/stenographers participating in criminal, civil and administrative proceedings in this Commonwealth." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/21/20)

Pennsylvania - Waives Some Nurse Licensing Requirements to Aid Coronavirus Response

"The Department of State has waived certain administrative requirements for nurses, including temporarily extending license expiration dates and waiving associated fees during the coronavirus emergency." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/21/20)

Pennsylvania - Some Continuing-Education Restrictions Suspended for Licensed Professionals

"Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend restrictions on distance-learning for continuing-education requirements for certain licensed professionals." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/22/20)

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Suspends Certain Licensure Requirements for State Board of Psychology, and State Board of Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Professional Counselors

"In order to increase the number of health-care practitioners available to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, Governor Wolf has granted the Department of State’s request to suspend some licensing requirements related to psychology; social work, marriage and family therapy and professional counselors." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/22/20)

Pennsylvania - Some License Requirements for Qualified Physicians Assistants Are Suspended During Coronavirus Emergency

"In order to allow physician assistants practicing under the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine to more easily and effectively assist with emergency response efforts to COVID-19, Governor Wolf granted the Department of State’s request to suspend requirements pertaining to written agreements and several other items." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/22/20)

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Expands Access to Pharmacy Services

"The Wolf administration is removing barriers for pharmacies to provide services for Pennsylvanians in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Governor Wolf has granted a request from the Pennsylvania Department of State to suspend certain pharmacy regulations to enable more flexible and available services during the coronavirus emergency." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/22/20)

Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania to Allow Retired Health Care Professionals to Bolster COVID-19 Response

"In order to increase the number of health care practitioners available to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and to ensure continuity of patient care and services, Governor Wolf has granted the Department of State’s request to suspend some licensing and regulatory requirements that will allow individuals in the healthcare field who have inactive licenses or have allowed their Pennsylvania license to expire, to seek reactivation and immediately resume work within their scope of practice, provided their inactive or expired license is/was in good standing." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/25/20)

Pennsylvania - Expanding scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs)

"Restrictions requiring a CRNP practice within a specific clinical specialty are suspended. Restrictions which prohibit CRNPs from prescribing drugs outside of the established formulary are suspended. On an initial application for prescriptive authority, the State Board of Nursing will require only one collaborative physician and one substitute physician. During the emergency period, for changes to an existing prescriptive authority collaborative agreement (PACA), the Board of Nursing will suspend Board pre-approval requirements..." - Pennsylvania Department of State (3/20/20)

Pennsylvania - Immunity from liability for health care providers providing care in support of COVID-19 response

"Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order to afford health care practitioners protection against liability for good faith actions taken in response to the call to supplement the health care provider workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (5/6/2020)

Pennsylvania - Expanding ability for out-of-state and retired practitioners to provide health services

"Suspends or removes a host of regulatory barriers that would otherwise impede or prevent out-of-state, retired or other qualified practitioners from providing services where needed in the Commonwealth." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (5/6/2020)

Pennsylvania - Allows taxing districts to waive late fees and penalties for property taxes

"Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 841 today that helps local communities and businesses respond to the COVID-19 emergency and protect the public. The bill provides flexibility on property tax deadlines… Provides property tax relief by allowing taxing districts to waive late fees and penalties for property taxes paid by December 31, 2020." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/20/2020)

Pennsylvania - Allows remote notarization

"Governor Tom Wolf signed Senate Bill 841 today that helps local communities and businesses respond to the COVID-19 emergency and protect the public. The bill... allows remote public meetings and notarization of documents so online vehicle sales can resume." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/20/2020)

Pennsylvania - Vehicle sales may be conducted online

"The governor will sign Senate Bill 841 later today that approves qualified Pennsylvania notaries public to perform remote online notarizations, which will allow auto dealerships to conducted limited car sales and leasing operations through online sales, as a notary is required to complete the transaction." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/20/2020)

Pennsylvania - Allows curbside pickup of alcohol

"The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today began accepting orders by phone for curbside pickup at 176 locations. Phone orders can be placed between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or until reaching a store’s maximum order capacity each day. Curbside pickups will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a few days of order placement. Callers will be guided through each store’s unique inventory. There is a limit of six bottles per order, and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. At pickup, customers will be required to present identification before the order is delivered." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/20/2020)

Pennsylvania - Extending tax deadlines

"“As we all work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s critical for us to take action that will provide immediate relief for Pennsylvanians and our businesses,” Governor Wolf said. “In addition to extending tax filing and payment deadlines, we are giving taxpayers more time and flexibility in other areas so that they can concentrate on their well-being. This is a needed step that will help everyone during this uncertain time.” This temporary relief for taxpayers will remain in effect through at least July 15, 2020." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/15/2020)

Pennsylvania - Waiving prepayments of sales tax

"As part of the effort to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tom Wolf today announced businesses that collect Pennsylvania sales tax will not have to make Accelerated Sales Tax (AST) prepayments over the next three months. That means businesses that normally have a monthly prepayment requirement will not be charged penalties for missing the prepayment deadline during this three-month period." - Office of Governor Tom Wolf (4/14/2020)

Rhode Island - Hospital and nursing facility licensing statutes and rules are suspended

"The hospital and nursing facility licensing statutes and rules, including but not limited to the nursing facility bed moratorium statute and rules, and certificate of need statutes and rules, as well as R.I. General Laws 23-6-8 (requiring local authorization of a hospital or camp for communicable disease), are suspended with respect to all Rhode Island hospitals and nursing facilities solely to the extent the services they provide are in response to this Order." - Office of Governor Gina Raimondo (4/10/20)

Rhode Island - Patients may be transferred to other care settings

"If, due to capacity, a hospital considers itself unable to provide inpatient care for COVID-19 patients at a level of quality available at other Rhode Island hospitals, patients may be transferred to the nearest hospital location or other appropriate care setting with the capacity to provide care at the community standard at the time, subject to patient choice." - Office of Governor Gina Raimondo (4/10/20)

Rhode Island - Nursing facilities may add beds and services and/or operate alternative nursing care sites

"Nursing facilities may add beds and services and/or operate alternative nursing care sites, including quarantine step-down sites as defined by the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, to address the COVID-19 virus and hospitals may also provide nursing facility services on their premises subject to the approval of the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health." - Office of Governor Gina Raimondo (4/10/20)

Rhode Island - Immunity for responding health care facilities, health care workers and others

"The following are deemed and/or affirmed to be "disaster response workers" entitled to immunity under R.I. Gen. Laws§ 30-15-lS(a) and to provide services beyond or without a license as permitted by R.I. Gen. Laws§ 30-15-lS(b}: a. All persons and organizations subject to this Order, including health care workers providing community-based health care, services at surge hospitals and services in existing hospitals, nursing facilities and alternative nursing care sites. However, nothing in this Order provides immunity to such persons and organizations, including health care workers, for negligence that occurs in the course of providing patient care to patients without COVID-19 whose care has not been altered by the existence of this disaster emergency. b. The landlords making the surge hospital locations and alternative nursing care sites available to the State, plus their employees, management companies and contractors providing services to construct, operate or decommission the surge hospital locations." - Office of Governor Gina Raimondo (4/10/20)

South Carolina - Issuing of “emergency” nursing and medical licenses to combat COVID-19

"The state medical board can expedite temporary licensure for out-of-state physicians, physician assistants and respiratory care practitioners within 24 hours... There will be no fee." - Office of Governor Henry McMaster (3/14/20)

South Carolina - Suspending certificate of need laws for projects deemed necessary for fighting COVID-19

"I hereby authorize and direct DHEC to suspend, for the duration of the present emergency, pursuant to Regulation 61-112 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations, any necessary and applicable provisions of Regulations 61-15 and 61- 16, which restrict the use of unlicensed beds or space, the conversion of single and double occupancy patient rooms to account for higher patient capacity, or the establishment of wards, dormitories, or other spaces not designated as patient rooms... I hereby suspend the monetary thresholds set forth in Section 102 of Regulation 61- 15 of the South Carolina Code of Regulations for items requiring Certificate of Need Review, to the extent necessary and applicable, so as to permit healthcare facilities to make those capital expenditures and acquire medical equipment deemed necessary to prevent, diagnose, treat, or monitor the progression of COVID-19." - Office of Governor Henry McMaster (3/19/20)

South Carolina - Allows curbside delivery and pickup of alcohol

"I hereby authorize and direct the South Carolina Department of Revenue (“DOR”) to implement, interpret, and apply the provisions of this Order, as necessary and appropriate and in accordance with and to the extent allowed by state and federal law, in a manner that will facilitate current holders of a valid Beer and Wine Permit (“Permit”), as set forth below, selling or delivering beer and wine in a sealed container for curbside delivery or pickup and off-premises consumption." - Office of Governor Henry McMaster (3/21/20)

South Carolina - Suspending enforcement of regulations and rules pertaining to registration, permitting, length, width, weight, load, and hours of service for commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles responding to COVID-19 response

"The South Carolina Department of Transportation and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, including the State Transport Police, as needed, shall waive or suspend application and enforcement of the requisite state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to registration, permitting, length, width, weight, load, and hours of service for commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles responding to the declared emergency in the State of North Carolina or otherwise providing direct assistance to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to protect public health and safety in connection with COVID-19." - Office of Governor Henry McMaster (3/11/20)

South Dakota - Suspends regulatory provision governing teacher evaluations

"The executive order (EO 2020-14) suspends certain regulations, namely: The regulatory provision governing teacher evaluations…" - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/8/20)

South Dakota - Expanding access to telehealth services

"I temporarily suspend the statutory provisions… governing the requirement that telehealth may not be utilized without a prior provider-patient relationship… governing the telehealth providers ability to prescribe certain medications based solely on a telehealth encounter... requiring real-time visual technology for telehealth services or prohibiting aido-only transmission thereof." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Lifting capacity limit of foster homes

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provision of ARSD 67:42:05:04 governing the capacity limit of foster homes." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Lifting limits on the length of stay at shelter care facilities

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provision… governing the length of stay at shelter care facilities." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Allowing out-of-state healthcare providers to prescribe, distribute, and dispense controlled substances

"I temporarily suspend the statutory provision… requiring healthcare providers to obtain a South Dakota controlled substances registration to engage in the prescribing, distributing, or dispensing of any controlled substance within the state, so long as the individual possesses a federal DEA controlled substances registration and a state registration in at least one other state or U.S. territory." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Allowing ambulance transportation to more facilities than just the hospital, airport

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provision… limiting the use of the ground component of an air ambulance transport only from a hospital to the airport and vice versa." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Lifting background check requirements for permanent licensure

"I temporarily suspend… the regulatory provision… requiring a complete criminal background check to be obtained prior to permanent licensure. Physicians, physician assistants, chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, registered nurses, licensed professional nurses, certified registered nurse anesthestists, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, and pharmacists..." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspending supervision requirements for PAs and advanced life support personnel when treating COVID-19 patients

"I temporarily suspend the statutory provision… requiring supervision of physician assistants and advanced life support personnel when caring for or treating COVID-19 positive patients during the COVID-19 State of Emergency." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspending supervision requirements for occupational therapy assistants

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provision… requiring the physical presence of an occupational therapist on the premises where a patient is being cared for by an occupational therapy assistant." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspending experience hour requirements for pharmacist licensure

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions… requiring applicants to have completed 2,000 hours of experience…" - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Allowing pharmacists more flexibility in filling prescriptions

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions… requiring a pharmacist to obtain prescriber permissions to refill a non-controlled prescription and… requiring pharmacist-to-pharmacist interaction for the purpose of transferring a prescription." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspending the limits on doses and medications in health care facility emergency kits

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions… limiting the number of doses and medication in health care facility emergency kits." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspends pharmacist to technician ratio requirement at a retail pharmacy

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions… requiring a 3:1 pharmacist to technician ratio at a retail pharmacy." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Lifts equipment and supply requirements for ambulances

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions… governing equipment and supply requirements for ambulances." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Allows cosmetology education off premises

"I temporarily suspend the statutory provision… governing the requirement that schools licensed by the Cosmetology Commission may only conduct educational programs on the premises of the school." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspending limits on number of credits attained by online courses

"I temporarily suspend the regulatory provision… limiting the number of credit hours by correspondence or interactive online continuing education courses." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

South Dakota - Suspends requirement for notarization for public grain warehouse and grain buyer licenses

"I temporarily suspend the statutory provisions… governing the requirement that an application for a public grain warehouse license and grain buyer license be notarized." - Office of Governor Kristi Noem (4/15/20)

Tennessee - Established interstate reciprocity for health care professionals

Gov. Bill Lee lifted licensing requirements for health care professionals to allow them to provide "localized treatment of patients in temporary residences." He is now allowing health care professionals who are licensed in another state to engage in the practice of their profession in Tennessee. - Executive Order by Governor Bill Lee (3/12/20)

Tennessee - Waiving child care licensure requirements

"Related rules are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to give the Commissioner of Human Services the discretion to waive the child care licensure requirements, including requirements concerning capacity, care categories, grouping, license transfers, and drop-in centers, if necessary to respond to the effects of COVID-19." - Executive Order by Governor Bill Lee (3/12/20)

Tennessee - Suspends many requirements of transporting medical supplies

"The provisions... that set forth maximum height, length, and width limitations are hereby suspended in the case of vehicles participating in the response to COVID-19, subject to the following conditions: a vehicle must be transporting emergency supplies, equipment, or mobile structures to affected areas." - Executive Order by Governor Bill Lee (3/12/20)

Tennessee - Allow testing for COVID-19 at alternative sites without prior approval from medical board

"The provisions of Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-06-03-.16 are suspended to allow testing for COVID-19 at alternate testing sites without prior approval by the Medical Laboratory Board; provided, that laboratories shall notify the Medical Laboratory Board of any such alternate testing sites." - Executive Order by Governor Bill Lee (3/12/20)

Tennessee - Expanding scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

"Waives the requirement that NPs file notice with the Board of Nursing containing the name of the nurse practitioner, the name of the licensed physician collaborating with the nurse practitioner, and a copy of the formulary describing the categories of legend and non-legend drugs to be prescribed or issued by the nurse practitioner. Waives the requirement for chart reviews. Waives the requirement that a supervising physician visit remotes sites every 30 days during the pandemic." - Office of Governor Bill Lee (3/19/20)

Tennessee - Expanding scope of practice for Physician Assistants (PAs)

"The provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 19, Part 1, Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-03-.01 through Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-03-.25, and Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0880-02-.18 are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to relieve physician assistants from the following requirements: (1) filing a notice of authorization for prescribing form with the Committee on Physician Assistants containing the name of the physician assistant, the name of the licensed physician collaborating with the physician assistant, and a copy of the formulary describing the categories of legend and non-legend drugs to be prescribed or issued by the physician assistant; (2) having charts reviewed; and (3) having remote sites visited by collaborating physicians every thirty (30) days." - Office of Governor Bill Lee (3/19/20)

Tennessee - Suspending certificate of need laws for projects deemed necessary for fighting COVID-19

"The provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-11-1607, are hereby suspended to the extent necessary to allow hospitals that would otherwise be subject to certificate of need requirements to temporarily increase their number of licensed hospital beds at any location or temporarily establish hospital and diagnostic services at any location, if necessary for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, as well as to the extent necessary to facilitate activity authorized by the provisions of this Order and any subsequent order concerning COVID-19." - Office of Governor Bill Lee (3/19/20)

Texas - Alcohol and groceries allowed in the same delivery truck

"Governor Greg Abbott lifted the restriction that forbid trucks from delivering both alcohol and groceries in the same truck." - KXXV (3/15/20)

Texas - Allowing the delivery of alcohol

Under this waiver, restaurants with a mixed beverage permit will immediately be able to sell beer, wine, or mixed drinks for delivery "as long as they are accompanied by food purchased from the restaurant." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (3/18/20)

Texas - Fast-tracking the temporary licensing of out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, certain retired physicians, nurses, and other license types

"Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Medical Board (TMB) and the Texas Board of Nursing (TBN) to fast-track the temporary licensing of out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, certain retired physicians, nurses, and other license types to assist in Texas' response to COVID-19." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (3/14/20)

Texas - Licensing requirements for health care providers loosened

"Physician Assistants (PA), Medical Physicists, Perfusionists, and Respiratory Care candidates for licensure who have completed all other requirements may enter the workforce under a​n emergency license working under supervision prior to taking the final licensure examination." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/5/20)

Texas - Allowing more flexibility in scope of practice/delegation abilities between physicians and PAs/APRNs

"The Governor's waiver allows more flexibility between physicians and the PAs and Advance Practice Registered Nurses they supervise including allowing for oral prescriptive delegation agreements to enable rapid deployment of those practitioners during the emergency." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/5/20)

Texas - Waiving Certain Pharmacy Regulations To Increase Workforce Capabilities

"Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived certain regulatory requirements to increase the job capacities of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. Under the Governor's waiver, pharmacy technicians can now accept prescription drug orders over the phone — a responsibility typically reserved for pharmacists. The Governor's waiver also allows pharmacy technicians to transfer or receive a transfer of original prescription information on behalf of patients. These two waivers can be utilized at the discretion of pharmacists. Additionally, Governor Abbott has waived certain regulations allowing pharmacy interns to assist pharmacists without the designation of preceptor." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/7/20)

Texas - Waives certain restrictions to allow Texas higher education institutions to transfer all unexpended student financial aid funds from the Texas College Work-Study (TCWS) program

"Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived certain restrictions to allow Texas higher education institutions to transfer all unexpended student financial aid funds from the Texas College Work-Study (TCWS) program to other financial aid programs that do not have a work-study requirement to ensure students will continue receiving financial assistance. Those programs include the TEXAS Grant program, the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant program, and the Tuition Equalization Grant program." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/22/20)

Texas - Waives certain testing requirements for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)

"Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain testing requirements for Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) as part of the state's response to COVID-19. As a result of this waiver, new APRN graduates who have applied for APRN licensure with the Board of Nursing and have met all licensure requirements except national certification may begin practicing under direct physician supervision. This graduate approval does not include prescriptive authority." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/22/20)

Texas - Waives certain regulations related to restrictions on physicians-in-training (PIT) permit holders

"Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations related to restrictions on physicians-in-training (PIT) permit holders in order to increase health care capacity through the state's response to COVID-19. With these waivers, Texas hospitals and facilities associated with Graduate Medical Education (GME) training programs will be able to utilize PIT permit holders, with proper physician oversight, in areas outside of their GME training program. For example, under these temporary waivers, residents in a surgery residency program can assist in an Emergency Department if a surge of patients is experienced. These waivers will increase the availability of medically trained individuals to help assist the COVID-19 response." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/11/20)

Texas - Allows more nurse aides to serve residents in long-term care facilities

"Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an emergency rule to temporarily allow more nurse aides to serve residents in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 response. The emergency rule temporarily allows nursing facilities to hire people to provide nurse aide services without having to complete a full certification program in their first four months of employment. This action will expand the eligible pool of direct care workers and help long-term care providers who may face critical staffing shortages." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/9/20)

Texas - Expanding access to telehealth services

"Governor Greg Abbott has temporarily waived a series of regulations to lift certain telehealth restrictions and expand telehealth options as Texas responds to COVID-19. These waivers will allow a smart phone or any audio-visual, real-time, or two-way interactive communication system to qualify as a telecommunications technology that can be used to provide certain telehealth services. These waivers apply to speech-language pathologists and audiologists, behavior analysts, hearing instrument fitters and dispensers, and dyslexia therapists and practitioners." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/9/20)

Texas - Allowing remote notarization

"Governor Greg Abbott today suspended certain statutes concerning appearance before a notary public to execute a self-proved will, a durable power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, a directive to physician, or an oath of an executor, administrator, or guardian. These suspensions temporarily allow for appearance before a notary public via videoconference when executing such documents, avoiding the need for in-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Greg Abbott (4/9/20)

Utah - Expanding access to telehealth services

"The order allows medical providers to offer a telehealth service that does not comply with the security and privacy standards required by Utah law, so long as the healthcare provider notifies the patient that the service they are using does not comply with those standards, allows them to decline using the service, and takes reasonable steps to ensure that the service provided is secure and private." - Office of Governor Gary Herbert (3/26/20)

Utah - Deregulating employer compliance with the Utah Retirement Systems

"The suspension of enforcement of the following...: Utah Code § 49-11-1204(4)(b), to the extent it requires the participating employer to pay the amortization rate to URS; Utah Code § 49-11-1206(1)(b), to the extent it requires a participating employer to immediately notify URS of the reemployment; Utah Code 8 49-11-1206(3), to the extent it requires a retiree to report the status of the reemployment to URS; and Utah Code § 49-11-1207(1), to the extent it requires URS to take action regarding a violation of Subsection 49-11-1204(2) or (4)(b)." - Office of Governor Gary R. Herbert (3/30/20)

Utah - Suspending certain sections of state statute regarding requirements on signature gathering

"In order to better accommodate social distancing measures that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Gary R. Herbert has issued an Executive Order suspending certain sections of state statute regarding requirements on signature gathering. Specifically, the order suspends the requirement that petition packets be bound prior to circulation and that a circulator personally witness each signature. Accordingly, the following actions are now permitted: 1) A candidate may send or make available an electronic copy of the signature page of a signature packet to any interested voter. The candidate is not required to furnish a cover page or circulator page to the interested voter. 2) An interested voter may print and physically sign the signature page. 3) The interested voter may send the pages back to the candidate via regular mail, fax, or e-mail. 4) The candidate may assemble any returned signature pages and then submit the signature packet to the election officer in-person or via designated agent. The packet does not require a circulator page." - Office of Governor Gary R. Herbert (3/26/20)

Utah - Lessen the burden on establishments with liquor licenses

"These orders... aim to help lessen the burden on establishments with liquor licenses, which are either temporarily closed or operating on a limited basis... Facilitate returns of product to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control by licensees impacted by recent health orders." - Office of Governor Gary R. Herbert (3/19/20)

Utah - Suspending enforcement of statutes relating to telehealth services

"I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah, hereby order the following: 1. Executive Order 2020-7 is rescinded and replaced by this Order. 2. Enforcement of the following statutes is suspended: a. Utah Code § 26-60-102(9)(b)(ii); and b. Utah Code § 26-60-103(4)(a) to the extent that it interferes with a medical provider's ability to offer telehealth services." - Office of Governor Gary R. Herbert (5/15/2020)

Utah - Temporarily suspending certain provisions of the Utah code regarding vehicle registration

"I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah, hereby order the suspension of enforcement of the following statutes as applied to a covered vehicle, as defined below: ... 2. Utah Code § 41-1a-201(1), requiring a motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, trailer, semitrailer, vintage vehicle, off-highway vehicle, vessel, or park model recreational vehicle in this state to be registered prior to operation by a person or automated driving system; 3. Utah Code § 41-1a-202(3), requiring a motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, trailer, semitrailer, or vintage vehicle to be registered within 60 days of the owner establishing residency in Utah; 4. Utah Code § 41-1a-218(1), requiring a person who, after making application for or obtaining a vehicle registration, moves from the address named in the application to notify the Division of the person's old and new address within 10 days of moving; 5. Utah Code § 41-1a-220(1), requiring the owner of a vehicle whose registration card is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, to immediately apply for a duplicate registration card; 6. Utah Code § 41-1a-703, requiring a transferee, before operating or permitting the operation of a transferred vehicle on a highway, to complete certain requirements, including obtaining a new registration for the transferred vehicle; 7. Utah Code §§ 41-1a-1101(1)(e) and (f), permitting the Division or a peace officer to seize and take possession of any vehicle or vessel operated without proper registration; 8. Utah Code § 41-1a-1303(1), prohibiting a person from driving or moving, and an owner from knowingly permitting to be driven or moving, upon any highway any vehicle of a type required to be registered in Utah that is not properly registered or for which a certificate of title has not been issued or applied for, or for which the required fee has not been paid; 9. Utah Code § 41-22-3(1)(a), prohibiting the operation or transportation of an unregistered off-highway vehicle on any public land, trail, street, or highway in Utah; and 10. Utah Code § 73-18-7(1)(b), prohibiting a person from placing, giving permission for the placement of, operation, or giving permission for the operation of an unregistered motorboat or sailboat on the waters of Utah." - Office of Governor Gary R. Herbert (4/29/2020)

Vermont - Authorizing take-out, curbside pickup and delivery of beverage alcohol

"Authorizing take-out, curbside pickup and delivery of beverage alcohol, including spirit-based drinks and malt and vinous product accompanying food orders for off premise consumption." - Office of Governor Phil Scott (3/19/20)

Vermont - Allowing online renewal of drivers licenses

"Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced the official launch of a new online system for license renewals. This new service comes at a critical time for Vermonters and dovetails with the Governor’s March 18 directive for the DMV to transition to online, mail and phone transactions to reduce the spread of COVID-19." - Office of Governor Phil Scott (4/10/20)

Virginia  - Reducing driver training school regulations to minimize customer contact

Virginia will "minimize customer contact during driver training at Class B Virginia Driver Training Schools by: Waiving the two-student minimum requirement under the Virginia Driver Training Schools Regulations; Waiving the student-to-student observation periods during in-vehicle instruction; and Allowing one-on-one in-vehicle instruction." - Office of Governor Ralph Northam (3/17/20)

Virginia - Suspend Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections, typically required for every vehicle registered in the state

"I direct the Virginia Department of State Police (VSP) to undertake the following measure: Suspend the enforcement of Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections (MVSI) required under § 46.2-1157 of the Code of Virginia." - Office of Governor Ralph Northam (3/19/20)

Virginia - Lifted "Certificate of Need" law regarding hospital beds

""That order lifts our certificate of public need restrictions, so that our health commissioner can give hospitals and nursing homes the authority to add the beds they need without going through red tape," Northam said, during a Saturday morning press briefing. "They can act quickly to respond to the needs in this fast-changing situation."" - Patch (3/21/20)

Washington - Allows for out-of-state licensed professional to volunteer in Washington

"Under RCW 70.15.050, while an emergency proclamation of the Governor is in effect, a volunteer health practitioner who is licensed in another state may practice in Washington without obtaining a Washington license if he or she is in good standing in all states of licensure and is registered in the volunteer health practitioner system." - Washington Department of Health (3/2020)

Washington - Suspending certificate of need laws for nursing homes and assisted living facilities

"I, Jay Inslee, Governor of the state of Washington, as a result of the above-noted situation, and under Chapters 38.08, 38.52 and 43.06 RCW, do hereby proclaim that a state of emergency continues to exist in all counties of Washington State, that Proclamation 20- 05 and all amendments thereto remain in effect as otherwise amended, and that Proclamation 20- 05 is amended to waive and suspend specified statutes and regulations that prevent, hinder or delay action that is necessary to increase the availability of long-term care facility beds required to meet the unprecedented demands being imposed on Washington State’s health care system by the COVID-19 pandemic." - Office of Governor Jay Inslee (3/30/20)

Washington, DC - Allowing the delivery of alcohol

"The bill passed at the most recent meeting has… allowed for delivery and carry-out sales by restaurants of beer/wine, if sold along with prepared food (pending written restaurant-by-restaurant approval by the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration)." - Council of the District of Columbia (3/17/20)

West Virginia - Waives the requirement of possession of a fishing license to fish in state-regulated waters

"Governor Jim Justice today announced that West Virginia residents can enjoy a month of free fishing. Beginning today through Friday, April 24th, the requirement to possess a fishing license to fish in state-regulated waters has been waived for state residents. Anglers must practice safe social distancing." - West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (3/27/20)

West Virginia - Allows physicians to prescribe a Schedule II opioid medication without an in-person examination

"The third provision of the order allows physicians with a pre-existing relationship with a patient to refill an existing prescription for a Schedule II opioid medication without an “in-person” examination but still mandates that the physician evaluate the patient by other means and determine whether a refill is safe and appropriate in the physician’s judgment." - Office of Governor Jim Justice (3/31/20)

Wisconsin - Established interstate reciprocity for health care licenses

"Any health care provider with a valid and current license issued by another state may practice under that license and within the scope of that license in Wisconsin without first obtaining a temporary or permanent license." - Office of Governor Tony Evers (3/27/20)

Wisconsin - Allows medical license holders to work outside of the facility that employs them

"The following language is suspended: "providing such practice is entirely limited to the medical education facility, medical research facility, or medical school where the license holder is teaching, conducting research, or practicing medicine and surgery, and is limited to the terms and restrictions established by the board."" - Office of Governor Tony Evers (3/27/20)

Wisconsin - Allows physicians from other states and Canada to provide telemedicine services within the state

"A physician providing telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient who is located in this state must have a valid and current license issues by this State, another state, or Canada." - Office of Governor Tony Evers (3/27/20)

Wisconsin - Gives physician assistants more flexibility in their scope of practice

"The following language is suspended: "and may not exceed the scope of practice of the physician or podiatrist providing supervision. A medical care task assigned by the supervising physician or podiatrist to a physician assistant may not be delegated by the physician assistant to another person."" - Office of Governor Tony Evers (3/27/20)

Wisconsin - Loosened regulations pertaining to nursing, adjusting clinical education requirements for nursing students who are close to graduation, allowing them to begin practicing sooner to respond to the pandemic

Suspended rules: places limit on utilization of simulation for nurse training, applications to practice under a temporary permit (partially suspended), requirements for credential renewal within five years of expiration (partially suspended), nursing care management and collaboration with other health care professionals. - Office of Governor Tony Evers (3/27/20)

Wisconsin - Civil liability exemption for those who manufacture, distribute, or sell COVID-19 medical supplies

"This bill establishes a civil liability exemption for persons who manufacture, distribute, or sell emergency medical supplies to respond to the public health emergency during the public health emergency related to COVID-19 declared by the federal secretary of health and human services or the national emergency related to COVID-19 declared by the president." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Civil liability exemption for charities that distribute free medical supplies

"The bill also provides that any charitable organization that distributes free of charge emergency medical supplies received from a manufacturer, distributor, or seller is immune from civil liability for a death or injury caused by the emergency medical supplies." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Allows pharmacists to extend certain prescriptions by 30 days

"This bill creates an alternative authorization for a pharmacist to extend a prescription during the period covered by a public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, and for 30 days after the conclusion of that public health emergency." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Reduces minimum total training hours required for nurse aides to federal standard

"This bill conforms state law for instructional programs for nurse aides to the federal law requirements for Medicare and Medicaid. Specifically, the bill prohibits DHS from requiring an instructional program to exceed the federally required minimum total training hours or minimum hours of supervised practical training, which is clinical experience, specified in the federal regulation. The current federal regulation requires no less than 75 hours of training with at least 16 of those hours being supervised practical training." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Waiving road test requirement to obtain drivers' license with endorsement from parent or guardian

"The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) today announced two pilot programs that will safely address a backlog of demand: Individuals under age 18, who successfully complete their required training and have the endorsement of a parent or guardian will be able to get their probationary driver license without completing a road test." - Wisconsin Department of Transportation (5/5/2020)

Wisconsin - Tort reform for health care providers treating COVID-19

"This bill provides immunity from civil liability for health care professionals and providers and employees, agents, or contractors of those professionals or providers for death, injury, or damages caused by actions or omissions taken in providing services to address or in response to a 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak during an emergency or disaster declared relating to the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic. To be immune from civil liability, the actions or omissions must not involve reckless or wanton conduct or intentional misconduct and must occur during a good faith response to the emergency or be substantially consistent with either a direction, guidance, recommendation, or other statement made by a federal, state, or local official to address or in response to the emergency or disaster or any published guidance of DHS or the federal Department of Health and Human Services relied upon in good faith." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Renewals of credentials for emergency medical services providers, health care providers

"This bill prohibits DHS from requiring an ambulance service provider, emergency medical services practitioner, or emergency medical responder that holds a credential to renew the credential or to meet renewal requirements during the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72... This bill exempts certain health care provider credentials issued by credentialing boards in the Department of Safety and Professional Services from having to be renewed during the period covered by the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, through the 60th day after the conclusion of that emergency (exemption period)." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Temporary credentials for former health care providers

"This bill authorizes former health care providers to obtain a temporary credential granted by DSPS and provide health care services for which they have been previously licensed or certified. Under the bill, DSPS may grant a temporary credential to a person who applies and was at any time during the previous five years, but is not currently, any of the following, if the person's credential was never revoked, limited, suspended, or denied renewal: 1) a physician, physician assistant, or perfusionist; 2) a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or nurse-midwife; 3) a dentist; 4) a pharmacist; 5) a psychologist; 6) a social worker; 7) a marriage and family therapist; 8) a professional counselor; 9) a clinical substance abuse counselor; or 10) a practitioner holding a credential to practice a profession identified by DHS." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Temporary credentials for health care providers from other states

"This bill authorizes health care providers licensed in another state or territory to obtain a temporary credential granted by DSPS and provide health care services for which they are licensed or certified. Under the bill, DSPS may grant a temporary credential to a person who applies and holds a valid, unexpired credential granted by another state or territory that authorizes the person to act as any of the following: 1) a physician, physician assistant, or perfusionist; 2) a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or nurse-midwife; 3) a dentist; 4) a pharmacist; 5) a psychologist; 6) a social worker; 7) a marriage and family therapist; 8) a professional counselor; 9) a clinical substance abuse counselor; or 10) a practitioner holding a credential to practice a profession identified by DHS." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wisconsin - Suspension of deadlines and training requirements

"This bill authorizes state agencies, authorities, local governments, the legislature, and the courts to suspend, during the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, deadlines and training requirements that they administer or enforce. The bill excludes deadlines relating to the filing or payment of taxes and deadlines relating to an election." - Wisconsin State Legislature, AB1038 (4/14/20)

Wyoming - Authorizing take-out and/or curbside pickup of some alcohol

"Businesses which possess a Restaurant or Bar & Grill liquor license, granted under Wyoming Statutes... are permitted to sell limited off-premise malt beverages and wines with the following conditions and are hereby authorized to allow for take-out and/or curbside pickup." - Office of Governor Mark Gordon (3/30/20)

Wyoming - Allowing a ninety day grace period for expiring drivers licenses

"The Department of Transportation Director, or his designee, shall allow a ninety (90) day grace period from the expiration date of Wyoming driver licenses and identification cards expiring between March 15, 2020, and June 1, 2020, to reduce the burden on members of the public and to limit interaction with state employees and governmental offices." - Office of Governor Mark Gordon (3/24/20)

Suspended local rules and regulations:

Albuquerque, NM - Suspending plastic bag ban

"For the next thirty days, businesses in Albuquerque will temporarily be allowed to use any type of plastic bag for their customers and the City’s Environmental Health Department will suspend enforcement of the plastic bag ban citywide. Businesses are still encouraged to use paper bags if available." - City of Albuquerque (3/26/20)

Eureka, MO - Allowing restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for delivery or curbside

"Mayor Sean Flower was concerned curbside and delivery food services would not be enough to keep these independent restaurants operating, so he stepped in and made the decision to pass an executive order that allows restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages [through curbside or delivery]." - Fox 2 Now (3/27/20)

Fargo, ND - Allowing licensed restaurants and bars to sell alcohol curbside, to-go and with delivery orders

"The Fargo City Commission has approved the curbside, to-go sale and delivery of alcohol within Fargo city limits for a period of 30 days beginning Monday, March 23." - Valley News (3/23/20)

Los Angeles, CA - Allowing restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for delivery or takeout

The order modified "any and all City of Los Angeles regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages to “allow (i) sales of alcoholic beverages by restaurants for off-site consumption are hereby permitted for delivery and take-out and (ii) sales, by retail stores, of alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption, including deliveries and extended sales hours, from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily." - Office of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti (3/23/20)

Los Angeles, CA - Relaxes parking restrictions on commercial vehicles

The order also provides that, “Parking enforcement will be relaxed and an extended grace period will be given to vehicles owned and operated by employees or employers who are engaged in manufacturing or healthcare activities listed as essential under the March 15, 2020 Public Order Under City of Los Angeles Emergency Authority and located in permanent or temporary industrial, manufacturing, or commercial zones of the City of Los Angeles.” - Office of Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti (3/23/20)

Manteno, IL - Waiving all liquor license fees and gaming/amusement permit license fees

"Because of the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on Manteno businesses, village board members have agreed to waive all liquor license permit fees and gaming/amusement permit license fees for the fiscal year 2021, which begins May 1, 2020." - Daily Journal (4/3/20)

Pocatello, ID - Waiving 3% credit/debit card processing charge

"The City of Pocatello is waiving the three percent credit/debit card processing charge for payments made to the City of Pocatello. The charge was previously applied to all credit/debit card transactions. The charge was added to credit/debit card payments in October 2019 to help offset the processing costs incurred by the City for those types of payments." - East Idaho News (4/6/20)

West Fargo, ND - Allowing licensed restaurants and bars to sell alcohol curbside, to-go and with delivery orders

"Any sale of sealed cans or bottles of alcoholic beverages to customers taking delivery of prepared food from a restaurant within the City, also licensed to serve on-sale alcoholic beverages by way of “take-out,” “curbside delivery,” “drive-through,” or by other lawful means of delivery shall be deemed to be “on-sale” service or sale of such alcoholic beverages. Delivery of prepared food without any accompanied sale of alcoholic beverages may be delivered by agents or third party delivery services. Employees who deliver alcoholic beverages must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and be able to provide proof of age if asked by the City of West Fargo." - City of West Fargo (3/25/20)

Westminster, MD - Postpones plastic bag ban

"The “bag ban” restricts businesses from distributing single-use plastic bags under certain circumstances. It was originally slated to start July 1, but the council voted Monday, May 11, to push it back one year to July 1, 2021. Westminster was the third municipality in Maryland to adopt a plastic bag ban. The postponement was motivated by the effect on businesses whose operations will likely still be affected by the coronavirus come July 1. The council also considered that many consumers and retailers are not comfortable with bringing reusable bags into stores at this time, which partially eliminates one of the alternatives to single-use plastic bags." - Carroll County Times (5/15/2020)

This list will be updated constantly as rules continue to be suspended. If you know of a rule suspension not included above, please send to ideas@atr.org.

 

On CNBC today Joe Biden threatened to "reverse" the Trump tax cuts, a move that will impose massive tax increases on the middle class. Then he said he wouldn't raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 -- which is in direct conflict with his "reverse" statement.

So what happened the last time Biden promised not to raise middle class taxes?

As Vice President, Joe Biden broke his promise to the middle class that no one making less than $250,000 would see a single penny of their tax raised. Biden said his tax vow applied to "any tax."

Biden made the promise during a nationally televised Vice Presidential debate on Oct. 3, 2008 using firm language:

“No one making less than $250,000 under Barack Obama’s plan will see one single penny of their tax raised whether it’s their capital gains tax, their income tax, investment tax, any tax.” 

Once elected, Biden immediately pushed for tax increases on millions of middle class households. When Obamacare was signed into law with Biden's support, it imposed a series of middle class tax hikes including the individual mandate tax, new taxes on households with health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts, and an income tax hike on Americans facing high medical bills. Biden also presided over a 156 percent increase in the federal excise tax on tobacco.

After breaking the pledge, the Obama-Biden administration was rightly called out by the Associated Press in an article titled "Promises, Promises: Obama Tax Pledge Up in Smoke."

“Joe Biden lied to the American people when he said he and Obama would never raise 'any tax' on any American earning less than $250,000. This time around, taxpayers know what to expect,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.

Biden frequently brags of being the key to securing Democrat congressional support for Obamacare, which imposed many direct tax increases on the middle class:

Individual Mandate Tax: Obamacare imposed a tax penalty of $695 for an individual and $2,085 for a family of four for failing to buy “qualifying” health insurance as defined by Obama-Biden rules.

The tax hit low and middle-income families hard: Three-fourths of households stuck paying the tax made less than $50,000 per year, a blatant violation of Biden's pledge to the American people. (Thanks to the GOP congress and President Trump, this tax was zeroed out as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.)

Biden is now pushing to reimpose the individual mandate tax.

Medicine Cabinet Tax on health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts: Because of Obamacare, the 20 million Americans with a Health Savings Account and the 30 to 35 million Americans with a Flexible Spending Account are no longer able to purchase over-the-counter medicines using these pre-tax account funds. Examples include cold, cough, and flu medicine, menstrual cramp relief medication, allergy medicines, and dozens of other common medicine cabinet health items.

Chronic Care Income Tax Hike: This income tax increase directly targeted middle class Americans who happen to face high medical and dental bills in a given year. This Obamacare tax hit 10 million households per year. Before Obamacare, Americans facing high medical expenses were allowed an income tax deduction to the extent that those expenses exceeded 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI). Obamacare imposed a threshold of 10 percent of AGI. Therefore, Biden not only made it more difficult to claim this deduction, he widened the net of taxable income.

Again, low and middle income households were hit hard by this tax. On average, affected taxpayers earned about $53,000 annually. ATR estimates the average income tax increase for the average affected household amounted to $200 - $400 per year. Thanks to President Trump and congressional Republicans, this tax hike was rolled back as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Biden has threatened many times to repeal the TCJA.

Flexible Spending Account Tax: The 30 - 35 million Americans who use a pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) at work to pay for their family’s basic medical needs face an Obamacare-imposed cap of $2,500.

Before Obamacare, the accounts were unlimited under federal law. But now, parents looking to save for medical costs or braces for the kids find themselves quickly hitting this new cap. This restricts the options for low and middle income families.

There is one group of flexible spending account households for whom this tax is particularly cruel and onerous: parents of special needs children. Families with special needs children often use FSAs to pay for special needs education. Tuition and book costs at special needs schools can run thousands of dollars per year. Under tax rules, FSA dollars can be used to pay for this type of special needs education. This Obama-Biden tax increase limits the options available to these families.

If Biden repeals the TCJA, as he has said countless times, Americans will be stuck paying significantly higher taxes:

• A family of four earning the median income of $73,000 would see a $2,000 tax increase each year.
• A single parent (with one child) making $41,000 would see a $1,300 tax increase each year.
• Under Biden the USA would have the highest corporate income tax rate in the developed world, higher than China (25 percent), the United Kingdom (19 percent), Canada (26.8 percent), and Ireland (12.5 percent). 
• Millions of low and middle-income households would be stuck paying the Obamacare individual mandate tax.
• Small employers will face tax increases due to the increase in marginal income tax rates and the repeal of the TCJA 20% deduction for small business income.
• Taxes would rise in every state and every congressional district.
• The Death Tax would ensnare more families and businesses.
• Utility bills would go up in all 50 states as a direct result of the corporate income tax increase.  
• The AMT would snap back to hit millions of households.
• Millions of households would see their child tax credit cut in half.
• Millions of households would see their standard deduction cut in half, adding to their tax complexity as they are forced to itemize their deductions and deal with the shoebox full of receipts on top of the refrigerator.
   

Even left-leaning media outlets have acknowledged the fact that the Trump tax cuts have helped middle income households:

• New York Times: "Most people got a tax cut."
• Washington Post: “Most Americans received a tax cut.”
• CNN's Jake Tapper: "The facts are, most Americans got a tax cut." 
• CNN's Tapper also stated: "In fact, estimates from both sides of the political spectrum show that the majority of people in the United States of America did receive a tax cut."
• FactCheck.org: "Most people got some kind of tax cut in 2018 as a result of the law."
• FactCheck.org also stated: "The vast majority (82 percent) of middle-income earners — those with income between about $49,000 and $86,000 — received a tax cut that averaged about $1,050.

Keep track of Biden's tax hikes at www.ATR.org/HighTaxJoe

 

 

 

• Georgia Senator John Albers
• Georgia Representative Sharon Cooper
• Georgia Representative Matt Dollar
• Georgia Representative Penny Houston
• Georgia Representative Trey Kelley
• Georgia Representative Billy Mitchell
• Georgia Representative Alan Powell
• Georgia Representative Bruce Williamson
• Georgia Representative Albert Thomas Reeves
• Georgia Representative Heath N. Clark
• Georgia Representative Eddie Lumsden
• Georgia Representative Todd Jones
• Georgia Representative Don Hogan 
• Georgia Representative Bill Werkheiser

A special panel: ATR’s Grover Norquist, Katie McAuliffe, & Doug Kellogg discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo’s betrayal of healthcare workers who answered his pleas for help in New York by promising to tax them, & send aggressive tax authorities after them.