Governor Hochul Issues Declaration of Emergency in Downstate Counties in anticipation of nursing strikes

Last evening, Governor Hochul issued  Executive Order #56, declaring a state of emergency in Bronx, New York, Nassau and contiguous counties, due to healthcare staffing shortages anticipated as a result of planned strikes in several hospitals.  The EO is in effect through February 8th.

The Executive Order enables the state to temporarily suspend some workforce provisions and to allow additional healthcare workers to practice in the state.  The Department of Health (DOH) will be able to approve out-of-state licensed physicians, nurses, and physician assistants to work in New York, in order to meet staffing needs. It will also allow credentialed practitioners to work in other facilities than the one(s) where they are credentialed, if needed and approved by the DOH.

In addition, this emergency declaration activates provisions of the state’s Surge and Flex Health Coordination System related to patient load balancing in the affected areas, according to a Dear CEO Letter released today by the DOH.

Governor Hochul has directed state agencies to work with hospitals and local governments to ensure contingency plans are in place to manage patient care during the potential strike.