MSDC, Healthcare Community Push Passage of Temporary License Waiver Extension August 12, 2021

Working with the local healthcare community, MSDC and its members won a big victory with the Council to extend temporary license provisions.

With the end of the public health emergency, the provision permitting temporary licensure of out-of-state providers had an end date of September. The original public health emergency permitted providers licensed in other states to act as temporary agents to fill healthcare needs in the District, provided they acted within their scope, and were licensed and in good standing in their state, among other requirements. This helped patients receive more services despite COVID straining the health care system, including via telemedicine. These providers needed to apply for a license in the 60 days between the end of the public health emergency and the waiver's end.

MSDC and other healthcare associations were concerned that the 60 day window was not sufficient to license these emergency providers. The turnover in the healthcare industry, the recent increase in COVID cases, the return of children to schools, and the long wait times for licenses across the sector had the industry worried about a healthcare provider shortage at a time of enhanced healthcare needs.

Councilmember Vincent Gray introduced the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Emergency (and Temporary*) Declaration Resolution of 2021. The legislation extends the 60 day grace period to the end of December, 2021. This allows healthcare practitioners additional time to apply for and receive a license. The legislation passed the Council on Tuesday and is awaiting the Mayor's signature.

MSDC is thankful to Councilmember Gray, his staff, and the entire Council for taking this action. We will continue to work for a permanent solution to the regional licensure issue by pushing the District government to enter a regional licensure compact or reciprocity agreement with Maryland and Virginia.

* - What's the difference between emergency and temporary legislation? Learn more here.