Type of Intervention: Executive Order
Sectors Involved: Health
Intervention Categories: Legal and policy; Regulatory change
Level of Jurisdiction: Texas
Lead People/Agency: Governor Greg Abbott
Overview: Governor Greg Abbott has waived certain regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing regarding licensing renewal and subsequent fees for nurses in Texas. The Governor’s waiver authorizes a six-month grace period for nurses with expired licenses. This grace period will allow nurses who are otherwise in good standing to continue practicing and will give them additional time to renew their license without added fees and penalties.
Full details here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-waives-certain-licensing-renewal-regulations-fees-for-nurses
Type of Justification: Predicted cause-effect relationship, following in line with prior Texas proclamations.
Evidence/Justification: Nurses are essential to protecting the public health and safety of our communities as we combat the COVID-19 virus,” said Governor Abbott. With these temporary waivers, nurses in Texas can continue caring for patients without worrying about potential delays or barriers imposed by the licensing renewal process. We are grateful for the nurses serving throughout our state, and Texas are committed to ensuring they have the resources and support they need to do their jobs as we face this public health emergency.” This follows previous effors of the governor to add the number of healthcare employees in the state’s fight against Coronavirus.