For Immediate Release: April 13, 2020
Media Contact:
Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-951-5153 / 802-863-7281
[email protected]

Health Care Professionals Can Get Expedited Temporary License to Practice

Action an effort to expand the pool of care providers available during COVID-19 emergency

BURLINGTON, VT – Health care professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Gov. Phil Scott signed Act 91 on March 31, granting emergency authority to expedite temporary licensure for health care professionals. Bolstering the ranks of health care providers will expand access to medical services for patients and allow qualified retirees to serve Vermont at this difficult time.  

“We urgently need clinicians and other experienced health workers to help us meet the demand for care,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “We are asking anyone who is qualified to please consider helping, even if you don’t hold a Vermont license.”

The new emergency measures grant a temporary license for health professionals who:

  • Are licensed and in good standing in other states
  • Were licensed in Vermont, but whose licenses lapsed in recent years

In Vermont, the Health Department’s Board of Medical Practice licenses medical doctors, physician assistants, and podiatrists. Other health care professions – including nurses and osteopathic physicians – are licensed by the Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation.

These provisions apply to people who were previously licensed, even if they are retired from practice and do not hold an active license in any state.

There are no fees of any kind to obtain a temporary emergency license.

The process for applying will depend on the applicant’s status. Some just need to submit information about who they are and where they will be practicing. Others will be required to apply for the license using a streamlined process.

Governor Scott recently issued a call for volunteers, including for health professionals to sign up with the Medical Reserve Corps as a great way to match their skills with a need. The temporary licenses are for all health practitioners and not only for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.

To apply for a license or get more information about the process contact the licensing authority for your profession:

To learn more about joining the Medical Reserve Corps, visit vermont.gov/volunteer.

For up to date COVID-19 information and guidance, go to healthvermont.gov/covid19.

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