Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is taking action to expedite licensing for healthcare professionals who come to Georgia to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

The Georgia Board of Nursing, under the Professional Licensing Boards, a Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, will begin issuing temporary permits to nursing professionals licensed in other states who come to Georgia in response to the declaration of a public health state of emergency in Georgia. These licenses will receive expedited review, less than 24 hours for a temporary license and less than 7 days for a regular application, to better respond to the public health threat.

“Fighting, defeating, and overcoming coronavirus in Georgia and across the country will require enlisting the help of the best and brightest medical professionals available,” said Raffensperger. “Regulatory barriers should not get in the way of public health. Quick, temporary licenses for qualified nursing professionals to practice in Georgia will help ensure the people of Georgia have access to the best care possible.”

On March 16, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp signed a public health state of emergency to address COVID-19 in the state of the Georgia.

Following the declaration, the Georgia Board of Nursing, under the Professional Licensing Boards, a Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, has enacted provisions for the issuance of temporary permits for nursing professionals who have come to Georgia to fight the coronavirus spread. Licensed practice nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses who have an active license to practice anywhere in the U.S. will be eligible to apply.

To limit bureaucratic obstacles these dedicated health professionals face in Georgia, the temporary licenses will be reviewed in less than 24 hours. Regular licenses will be reviewed in less than 7 days.

Applications can be submitted and permits can be verified at http://www.nursys.com/. Please visit the Board’s website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/nursing for more information.

Georgia is a member of the Nurse License Compact (NLC), which allows licensed practical nurses or registered nurses from other NLC states with multi-state licenses to practice in Georgia.