In the most recent coronavirus-related Executive Order, health care workers from outside of Minnesota will be allowed to work in the state’s healthcare facilities. This critical order will help with staffing shortages, particularly in Greater Minnesota, by allowing facilities additional avenues to mobilize and fill vacancies rapidly. 

Under current Minnesota law, doctors and nurses moving to the state would have to go through a time-consuming process by obtaining a license from either the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice or the Minnesota Board of Nursing to provide emergency response and intensive care services in the state.

Under the order, hospitals, clinics, and care facilities can now hire medical professionals from outside of provided they meet the qualifications and licenses required by other states.

“This executive order is a critical development for health care providers and facilities in Greater Minnesota,” said Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks).  “In parts of the state where we already struggle to meet our health care worker demand, our healthcare providers and long-term care facilities will now be more equipped to fill shortages that they face. This means better health outcomes for the residents of our region as we can more rapidly respond to the evolving demands of this crisis.”

The Executive Order is expected to run for the duration of the f the COVID-19 situation.

“Before the crisis, rural parts of Minnesota were already asking for this change regarding health care licensing,” continued Senator Johnson. “As we see this order play out and information is gathered on health care outcomes, we should analyze the results to see the impact and determine if this something that Minnesota possibly should consider long-term.”