Schweyer: Professional license waivers to end when COVID-19 disaster declaration ends

HARRISBURG, May 17 – The temporary suspension of laws and regulations regarding licensed professionals, which was granted by Gov. Tom Wolf, will no longer be in effect when the emergency disaster declaration is ended, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh.

“From increasing access to telemedicine, to increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines at sites in Allentown and across the state, these waivers were a crucial part of fighting the pandemic,” Schweyer said. “It is important that these industries are aware that as cases continue to drop and the emergency disaster declaration is terminated, the professional license waivers will also end.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, nearly 100 waivers regarding professional licensing have been approved to quickly and safely free up every available healthcare professional who wanted to assist in any way, including retirees, military and out-of-state practitioners.

Schweyer added, currently the emergency declaration remains in place and the waivers continue to remain in effect. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs will provide additional updates regarding the expiration of waivers should the disaster declaration be terminated prematurely.

Anyone who may have any questions or concerns should contact the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs at 833-DOS-BPOA (833-367-2762).