HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - The State Department of Public Health is temporarily waiving the state's license requirements for certain out-of-state health care workers in response to the increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations.
DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani is suspending the state's requirement of licensure, certification or registration for health care professionals looking to practice in Connecticut for a period of 60 days.
The suspension applies to physicians, physician assistants, APRNs, registered nurses, psychologists, martial and family therapists, clinical and master social workers and professional counselors.
The health care professional must be appropriately licensed, certified or registered in another state or territory of the U.S. or the District of Columbia, state officials said.
"Health care staffing shortages are a nationwide issue," Juthani said. "This order offers some relief to support Connecticut's health care infrastructure by authorizing licensed health care providers from other states to immediately work in Connecticut upon the order's execution."
The suspension period will not extend past February 15 if the state's public health emergency is not extended, officials said.
Juthani suggests out-of-state providers apply for a Connecticut license while working under the temporary order to ensure that the care they're providing is not interrupted when the order expires.
This is the second time during the COVID-19 pandemic that the department has temporarily suspended licensing requirements. DPH issued a similar order in March of 2020.
Interested practitioners can visit the DPH website to learn more.