JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Attorney General wants to rethink professional licensing regulations for health care workers in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
Attorney General Eric Schmitt sent a letter to the state's professional licensing boards and commissions in late March asking them to ease regulations that may hinder health care professionals who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
“The last thing our health care professionals should worry about as they bravely fight the spread of COVID-19 is unnecessary regulations or licensure issues,” wrote Schmitt in his letter. “Inactive health care workers are sometimes blocked by regulations when attempting to help in this fight, and current health care workers shouldn’t be burdened by licensure deadlines or education coursework when they should be focused on patient care,” said Schmitt in a press release. “Additionally, Missouri citizens and businesses are struggling in this unprecedented time. I want to hear directly from Missouri citizens, businesses, and agencies on how regulatory red tape can be cut during this pandemic. With everyone working together, we can make it through this crisis.”
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt
| twitter.com/AGEricSchmitt
The initiative comes after Gov. Mike Parson issued a similar statement.
The St. Louis Record reached out to the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance for further comment.
“We have already waived many regulations and will continue to examine regulations, as necessary, during this crisis,” Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance Director of Communications Lori Croy said.
Schmitt's office identified almost 100 potential regulations that could be suspended during the pandemic, including application deadlines, regulations that prevent inactive or retired health care workers from returning to work, and fees and education coursework.