LARA Makes License Renewal Adjustments During COVID-19

Physician writing on a form.

For a temporary period, continuing education fulfillment won’t be a factor for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to renew professional licenses for physicians, nurses and other licensed health care workers.

This is one of several stipulations for professional licensees that Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent executive order has allowed, as health care facilities deal with the influx of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

Executive Order 2020-13 (COVID-19) is effective immediately and will continue through April 14, 2020, at 11:59 p.m.

Continuing Education Requirements and Credits

In the order, Whitmer is giving LARA the authority to renew professional licenses “regardless of whether the licensee has satisfied the continuing education requirement applicable to their license.”

The order also states that LARA “may recognize hours worked responding to the COVID-19 emergency as hours toward continuing education courses or programs required for licensure.” (Emphasis added.)

Mobile Facilities, Nursing Aides and Non-Nursing Assistants

In addition, Whitmer’s order gives LARA permission to:

  • “[G]rant a waiver under section 21564 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.21564, to any licensed hospital in this state, regardless of number of beds or location, for the purpose of providing care during the COVID-19 emergency, to construct, acquire, or operate a temporary or mobile facility for any health care purpose, regardless of where the facility is located.”
  • “[I]ssue a temporary registration as a certified nurse aide to an applicant, regardless of whether the applicant demonstrates to LARA that they have successfully completed the examination requirements of sections 21911 and 21913 of the Public Health Code, 1978 PA 368, as amended, MCL 333.21911 and MCL 333.21913.”
  • “[A]llow a non-nursing assistant such as an activity coordinator, social worker, or volunteer to help feed or transport a patient or resident in a manner consistent with the patient’s or resident’s care plan.”

Health Care Licensure Boards Still Quiet on Waivers

Although Michigan has declared a State of Emergency, neither its Board of Medicine nor its Board of Osteopathic Medicine have waived licensure requirements as of yet.

Let the Healthcare Attorneys at Chapman Law Group Assist with Your Licensing Matters in Michigan and Florida

The Coronavirus pandemic has made daily life chaotic for everyone, but none more so than health care professionals such as physicians, nurses and other health care professionals. You are on the front lines tackling one of the most devastating health crises of all time. And we at Chapman Law Group give you our full respect and appreciation for all you are doing.

As part of our regulatory compliance practice, we at Chapman Law Group are keeping a watchful eye on licensure matters for our clients in Florida as well as for Michigan. We also are monitoring how Coronavirus is affecting physicians, reviewing and providing guidelines for health care professionals who could be exposed to COVID-19,  and staying alert on how telehealth is factoring in during the pandemic.

Our health care compliance law attorneys are here to handle your regulatory compliance matters as you focus on combating COVID-19. We serve licensed healthcare providers in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lansing) and Florida (Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville).

Talk to us if you have concerns over waivers of license requirements or applying for temporary or emergency licensure. We’re here for you.

Need an Attorney? Contact us now!
or Call us at: 1 (877) 234-5911

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Aaron J. Kemp

Senior Attorney

Chairperson of Professional Licensing & Regulatory Affairs

Michigan Office
1441 W. Long Lake Road, Suite 310
Troy, MI 48098
Phone: (248) 644-6326

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