It was announced on Thursday.
Annapolis, MD (KB) Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday requested emergency legislation to address the nursing shortage in Maryland due to COVID-19.
He said the Maryland Department of Health issued a notice that out-of-state registered nurses (RNs) and licensed nurse practitioners (LNPs) can practice in Maryland.
“State health officials are also strongly encouraging hospital systems to utilize nursing students, nursing assistants, and physician assistants as force multipliers,” Hogan explained.
He said the Secretary of Higher Education asked that nursing schools allow for early graduation for nursing students to help aid the nursing workforce.
This emergency legislation will make permanent these efforts the governor is making to mitigate staffing shortages to hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.