04/25/2020

Governor Whitmer Extends Executive Order Suspending Scope of Practice Laws, Allowing Qualified Health Care Workers to Help Treat COVID-19 Patients

LANSING, Mich. – April 26, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-61, to extend and expand Executive Order 2020-30, which relaxes scope of practice laws to give hospitals and other health care facilities the flexibility they need to deploy qualified physicians, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, nurses, and other health care providers the ability to give the critical care needed to combat COVID-19.  

“By allowing qualified, dedicated health care workers to treat COVID-19 patients we can continue to slow the spread of the virus and save lives,” said Governor Whitmer. “In these times of crisis, I am grateful for our brave health care workers who are on the front lines every day protecting our families. We will get through this together.”  

The order also reinforces an existing law that protects hospitals and health care workers from liability for taking necessary steps to protect Michiganders during an emergency. 

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.   

To view Executive Order 2020-61, click the link below:  

• EO 2020-61 Emerg order - scope of practice - re-issue.pdf