California:
On March 30, 2020 Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-39-20, authorizing the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to waive any of the professional licensing requirements relating to healing arts licensees in Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, and any accompanying regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the examination, education, experience, and training requirements necessary to obtain and maintain licensure, and requirements governing the practice and permissible activities for licensees.
The Board of Registered Nursing is working closely with the Department of Consumer Affairs to determine which licensing requirement waivers would allow individuals to continue assisting with the COVID-19 pandemic and allow licensees regulated by the Board of Registered Nursing to maintain and renew a license and remain employed.
Current waivers in place are:
Examination and continuing education requirements for current healthcare licensees.
Reactivation requirements for inactive, retired, or canceled licensees.
A full list of waivers will be placed on the DCA website as they are approved.
The Board of Registered Nursing encourages licensed Registered Nurses to be part of the workforce to support the medical surge during this time of need. The state is in need for help at quarantine sites, testing sites, and medical surge facilities and needs assistance with pre-hospital triage and pharmacy services.
Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit covid19.ca.gov/healthcorps/ for more information and to register for the California Health Corps.
The Board of Registered Nursing thanks licensed Registered Nurses for doing their part during the COVID-19 health emergency.
