Ala. Gov. Kay Ivey ramps up efforts to combat COVID-19

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey made a proclamation Thursday to improve upon the state’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

The proclamation includes efforts to “cut red tape” for health care providers.

Highlights include:

• Sections I and II “cut red tape” for the medical field to prepare for a potential strain on existing resources
• First, we’re cutting red tape for health care providers. Idea is to expand the human infrastructure of our healthcare system.

• “Expanded scope of practice” for health care professionals—This will relax, but not eliminate, the degree of supervision required for certain non-MD health care professionals to care for patients. See below list from Board of Nursing PR.
• Out-of-state health care practitioners – allows expedited process for out-of-state pharmacists, nurses, and doctors to obtain temporary licenses to practice in Alabama
• Expedited reinstatement of medical licenses – allows retired doctors, and others who left the profession in good standing, to return to practice
• Second, we’re cutting red tape to expand health care facilities.

• II.A – requires SHPDA to allow for temporary expansion of nursing homes and hospitals.
• II.B – Pharmacy Board can expedite procedures to establish temporary pharmacies.
• Sections III, IV, and V all build on previous orders we’ve issued to reduce or eliminate legal requirements for face-to-face meetings.

• III – notary publics can notarize documents remotely
• IV – more language to allow governmental bodies to postpone unnecessary meetings or meet remotely
• V – corporate shareholder meetings can be conducted remotely
• Section VI is another measure we’ve implemented to reduce the likelihood of COVID transmission in jails without undermining public safety.

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