Amid the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal and many state governments have relaxed regulations on licensing and credentialing, allowing physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals to work across state lines.
While many states have banded together to coordinate policies on reopening, regulations still vary based on various state emergency directives. Some states are shortening the application process as well as accelerating the approval process. For example, New York’s dire need for assistance earlier in the pandemic prompted the governor to temporarily lift licensure requirements for physicians from other states to step in and provide healthcare services.
The Federation of State Medical Boards has published COVID-19-related changes on its website. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved telehealth services provided by licensed physicians across state lines and other payers have followed.
Resources
- “Changes to Medical Licensing Regulations during the COVID-19 Outbreak” (MedPage Today/Healthcare Careers) — Includes specific updates from Colorado, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Washington and additional states
- CMS COVID-19 Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief FAQ (PDF)
- Federal of State Medical Boards COVID-19 landing page
- States waiving telehealth licensure requirements (PDF)
- States modifying CME requirements (PDF)
- States expediting licenses for retired physicians (PDF)
- States temporarily waiving licensure requirements (PDF)
- Physician Data Center
- Recommendations for Medical License Portability During COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- MGMA COVID-19 Recovery Center — Operational resources and stories about the pandemic response
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