Arizona Ends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration and Administrative Orders and Limited Rule Waivers for EMS and Health Care Providers

March 31, 2022

Dear EMS and Healthcare Community,

Yesterday Governor Ducey terminated the state’s COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency based on the state reaching thresholds established by the Arizona Department of Health Services indicating that conditions are appropriate for terminating the emergency period.

The COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency issued on March 11, 2020 directed the Arizona Department of Health Services to coordinate the state’s response and established an enhanced surveillance advisory, the Arizona Surge Line, temporary waivers of professional licensing requirements in conjunction with licensing boards, and other emergency measures to mitigate the spread of disease.

The termination takes effect immediately, and follows the recent signing of Senate Bill 1309, which provides an extension of temporary professional licenses for more than 2,000 critical health care workers through January 1, 2023. This legislation covers temporary licenses for health professionals who are licensed or certified by a regulatory board under Title 32 and 36; however, it does not apply to EMT or paramedic certification.

As a result of yesterday’s action terminating the emergency declaration, please be advised that the following emergency orders have been sunsetted, effective immediately. 

• Administrative Order 2021-03 (EXPIRED): This order previously expedited state certification for federally contracted EMTs and paramedics. For information on Arizona certification, please visit ems.azdhs.gov.
• Administrative Order 2021-02 (EXPIRED): This order previously authorized temporary waivers of health care institution licensure requirements.
• Administrative Order 2020-01 (EXPIRED): This order previously authorized temporary waivers of professional licensure requirements.
• Administrative Order 2020-04 (EXPIRED): This order previously authorized temporary waivers and deferments. 
• Emergency Measure 2020-05 (RESCINDED): This order previously authorized EMTs and paramedics to administer COVID and influenza vaccinations and perform viral testing. For information on authorized skills moving forward, please refer to Table 5.1 EMS Scope of Practice.
• Emergency Measure 2022-01 (RESCINDED): This order previously implemented reporting requirements for schools, child care, and shelters.
• Executive Order 2020-38 (TERMINATED): This order previously established the Arizona Surge Line, which has been deactivated today. For questions, please contact surgeline@azdhs.gov.
• Crisis Standards of Care (DEACTIVATED): As of March 21, 2022, Arizona has met specific criteria to deactivate crisis standards of care as outlined in the state’s Crisis Standards of Care Plan. 

At this time, the federal PREP Act COVID-19 Declaration remains in effect, and health care professionals or students should review PREP Act guidance and check with their state licensing or governing body to determine if they are qualified to administer vaccinations in Arizona.

Although this week represents a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic with the end of the state’s emergency declaration, ADHS remains committed to supporting infection prevention and control efforts statewide. We recognize that the fight against infectious disease is not over, and would like to continue to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of healthcare and EMS personnel over the last two years protecting and caring for the community on the frontlines. 

The Department will continue to follow up with stakeholders as more information becomes available. 

Thank you for all you do,

Rachel Zenuk Garcia, MPH, MCHES
Bureau Chief, Bureau of EMS & Trauma System                                            

Gail Bradley, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
Medical Director, Bureau of EMS & Trauma System

Odette Colburn, RN, BSN
Bureau Chief, Medical Facilities Licensing

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