GCMB announces emergency practice permit plan for COVID-19 response

The Georgia Composite Medical Board announced today that it may approve and issue “emergency practice permits” to physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, and respiratory care professionals who wish to practice medicine during the public health emergency response to novel coronavirus, known as “COVID-19.” On March 13, Pres. Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency, and on March 14, Gov. Brian Kemp issued a Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency for Georgia.

Authority for an emergency practice permit derives from GCMB Rule 360-2-.13, which states that “during an event for which the Governor of the State of Georgia has issued an executive order declaring a disaster or a state of emergency, the Board may waive some of the licensure requirements in order to permit the provision of emergency health services to the public.”

Before practicing medicine in Georgia under this provision, the applicant must receive the Board’s approval of the following:

• an application for this emergency practice permit (click here to download),
• proof of current and unrestricted licensure in another state,
• copy of a valid government-issued photo ID,
• and a current National Practitioner’s Data Bank Report

All permits issued under this provision shall be valid until the statement of emergency has been lifted by the governor.

To submit a completed application or for more information about the emergency practice permit during the COVID-19 response, please contact the GCMB’s Executive Director.