HHS to Permit Retired and Out-of-State Nurses and Doctors to Administer COVID-19 Vaccines
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working to dramatically increase the number of available vaccinators who may administer COVID-19 shots.
At a press briefing held on January 27, 2021, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients announced that HHS will use the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to allow retired nurses and physicians to administer COVID-19 vaccines. HHS will also permit doctors, nurses, and other practitioners who are licensed in their home state to administer shots across state lines.
The PREP Act permits HHS to provide individuals and entities immunity from liability (except for willful misconduct) for claims arising from efforts to fight COVID-19. Health care providers may review prior PREP Act declarations here.