Governor changes licensing laws to fight COVID-19

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is changing licensing laws to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Saturday, he formally asked the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Board of Nursing to quickly approve temporary licenses for out of state doctors and nurses.

It’s part of the state’s disaster declaration, and it paves the way for nurses, doctors, and even retired physicians to join the ranks of healthcare workers fighting the virus. Doctors retired less than two years may apply for a temporary license under the new directive.

Another part of the Governor’s disaster declaration allows out of state doctors to apply for a limited emergency license or hospital-to-hospital credentials during the crisis. This will give the Lone Star state more physicians for telemedicine in the coming weeks.

For more information on the fast track program, click here.