DCA Waiver Request Information
On March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 and to make additional resources available, formalize emergency actions already underway across multiple state agencies and departments, and help the state prepare to respond to an increasing number of individuals requiring medical care and hospitalization as a result of a broader spread of COVID-19.
Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order N-39-20, during the State of Emergency, the Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs may waive any statutory or regulatory requirements with respect to a professional license issued pursuant to Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code.
Executive Order N-39-20 Questions and Answers
Does this Executive Order apply to every license type regulated by DCA?
The waivers to increase the healthcare workforce applies to the license types regulated by the following boards:
- Acupuncture Board
- Behavioral Sciences, Board of
- Chiropractic Examiners, Board of
- Dental Board of California
- Dental Hygiene Board of California
- Medical Board of California
- Naturopathic Medicine, California Board of
- Occupational Therapy, California Board of
- Optometry, Board of
- Osteopathic Medical Board of California
- Pharmacy, Board of
- Physical Therapy Board of California
- Physician Assistant Board
- Podiatric Medical Board of California
- Psychology, Board of
- Registered Nursing, Board of
- Respiratory Care Board
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Veterinary Medical Board
- Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, Board of
How do I request a waiver?
The Department of Consumer Affairs is working with the licensing boards to determine which licensing requirement waivers would allow individuals to continue assisting with the COVID-19 pandemic and allow licensees regulated by the Department to maintain and renew an active license, to facilitate the continued provision of care to individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
How quickly does DCA anticipate waivers will be approved?
Waivers will be reviewed daily. Working closely with the licensing boards and other state partners, DCA expects waivers to be approved within 4-7 business days.
What waivers are already in place?
DCA maintains a list of waivers on the DCA Waivers page.
How long will the waivers last?
Each waiver will have a specific timeframe and can be viewed on the DCA Waivers page.
Will licensees have to complete continuing education requirements after the current situation with COVID-19 is over?
Yes. A licensee will still need to show proof of completed continuing education requirements six months after the state of emergency is lifted.
The waiver delays renewal fees. Will this change my renewal date going forward?
No this will not change your expiration date going forward.
Do the waivers apply to licensees currently on probation with a regulatory board?
The waivers may apply to individuals on probation depending upon the waiver. If you have specific questions, please contact your licensing board and your probation monitor.
How do the waivers impact applicants for licensure?
Please see the specific language of the waiver to determine if it impacts an applicant for licensure. The language of the waiver will indicate who it applies to and the specific requirements that are waived.
Do the waivers apply to out-of-state licensees approved by EMSA and practicing in California pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 900?
The waiver may apply to an out-of-state licensee, however, please review the specifics of the waiver and if you have any questions, please contact DCA or the appropriate licensing board for your profession.
If I want to volunteer and/or re-activate my license in California, what do I do?
If you have a current license in California and want to volunteer, please visit healthcorps.ca.gov.
If your license is in inactive, retired, or cancelled status, please fill out the reinstatement application form.
Who Do I Contact if I Have Questions About a Waiver?
Licensees that have questions about waivers in place can contact their respective licensing board with questions.
Is there a Listserv specific to waivers stakeholders can subscribe to receive alerts when waivers are released?
Individuals interested in learning about new waivers can sign up for DCA’s Waiver Request ListServ.