Missouri addresses supplies for healthcare workers and removes medical licensing barriers
JEFFERSON CITY — Sandy Karsten, Dept. of Public Safety Director said Monday Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is still the biggest challenge facing the department.
Missouri received 1.5 million PPE items: gloves, masks, gowns, shields and goggles. These supplies were distributed to 147 hospitals, and EMS throughout Missouri.
In a daily press conference with Governor Mike Parson, Karsten said Missouri received 200 sets of PPE for first responders. Missouri is expecting to receive more PPE in the next 7-10 days.
"It is our understanding that our partners are working as fast as possible to bring this PPE to the state of Missouri. And I want to assure all agencies that we've been working as fast as possible to get it to you," Karsten said.
The Departement of Public Safety said it's working to get more PPE through the Missouri disaster funds, the Strategic National Stock Pile, and FEMA.
The Missouri Department of Commence and Insurance modified statues and removed barriers to allow more health care workers to treat COVID-19 patients.
Gov. Parson said Missouri is waiving a state statute for individual licensed professionals to practice in other states through telehealth.
The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance is extending temporary permits and licenses of recent nursing graduates. Nursing graduates will be allowed to continue working passed the 90 day period after graduation.
The dept. also waived rules to help pharmacists dispense medication and work on some tasks remotely.
