Pennsylvania issues update on licensing waivers granted during coronavirus response

State officials have issued 30 licensing waivers since the Department of State last month said it would clear hurdles to allow more professionals to respond to the coronavirus disaster declaration.

“During this unprecedented emergency, the Department of State is committed to reducing as many burdens as possible for licensees to practice and serve Pennsylvanians,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said in a statement.

Among the licensing changes:

• Licensed health care providers can offer telemedicine services

• Expedited temporary licenses for out-of-state health care providers

• License renewal deadlines for all health care professionals are extended

• Retired health care providers can temporarily reactivate their licenses without fees

A full list can be found on the Department of State website.

Boockvar said the department is working with Gov. Tom Wolf and the departments of health and human services to find even more requirements that can be temporarily suspended to allow for flexibility.