Waivers & Extensions Due to COVID-19

On March 26, Governor Jay Inslee issued proclamation 20-25 on healthcare worker licensing. The proclamation waived certain statutes and rules with the intent to increase the health care system’s capacity to respond to COVID-19. The proclamation is in effect until midnight on April 25, 2020, unless extended by legislative approval. 

 

The Governor’s powers to issue proclamations that waive law during emergencies (RCW 43.7.06.220(4)) states that no orders concerning waiver or suspension may continue longer than thirty days unless extended by the legislature. 

 

Waiver of some requirements for retired active credential holders

The Governor has waived the requirement for mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers to report eighteen hours of continuing education for renewal through April 25, 2020 by waiving WAC 246-809-730(3) and WAC 246-12-130(2)(d).

The Governor has waived the requirement for retired active credential holders to provide a declaration of practicing only intermittently or in an emergency during the previous renewal cycle by waiving WAC 246-12-130(2)(c).

Waiver of continuing education requirements for returning from expired to active status

The Governor has waived continuing education and training requirements to return from expired to active licensing status through April 25,2020 by waiving WAC 246-12-040(3)(a)(v), (b)(viii), (c)(vi), (ix), (xi).

Extension of health profession license expiration dates

As a reminder, to allow health professionals to focus on patient care during the COVID-19 outbreak and reduce the economic burden on providers not able to work during this emergency, the Secretary of Health has extended health profession license expiration dates to September 30, 2020.  Governor’s Proclamation 20-32 provides authority for this action without agency rulemaking.