State puts out call for healthcare providers
In a Public Health Emergency announced March 23, Gov. John Carney asked retired healthcare workers and those with out-of-state licenses in good standing to help in the fight against COVID-19.
“We’re acting with urgency to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases that could overwhelm our hospital system,” Carney said. “These new orders will help make sure Delaware has the supplies and the health care professionals necessary to respond to COVID-19...We need everyone’s help. Delawareans should follow basic hygiene practices and stay home unless it’s essential to go out for work, or for the health and well-being of your family. We’ll get through this, but we all need to pitch in and take this threat seriously.”
- Nurses, doctors, mental healthcare providers, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who have active licenses or certificates of good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to provide in-person healthcare services in Delaware throughout the emergency, as well as telemedicine services.
- Delaware healthcare professionals whose licenses expired in the last five years are authorized to provide healthcare services in Delaware, assuming their licenses were in good standing for the five-year period.
Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Tam said he would welcome the help.
“If you’re a nurse or an ICU nurse that retired here and living in our beautiful community, we would be happy to have you come work for us or with us in this time of crisis,” he said, noting the invitation is open to all retired nurses and doctors in the community.
DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.
