Alabama and West Virginia leaders recently took steps to support hospitals in their states in continued efforts to combat COVID-19.
Gov. Kay Ivey (R) extended Alabama’s state of emergency through Oct. 31 to help hospitals in the state continue to address the influx of COVID-19 cases. The emergency declaration allows hospitals to relax certain regulations to expand capacity and makes it easier for hospitals to receive shipments of medical materials. Further, the order allows out-of-state doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to practice in Alabama under expedited licenses or temporary permits.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced an initiative to provide financial and staffing support to ensure the stability of hospitals and nursing homes and avoid the need for care rationing. The initiative also includes around-the-clock monitoring and communication with hospital leaders using a statewide monitoring system for all hospitals and long-term care facilities. Forty hospitals in the state are expected to receive $17 million in funding to cover staffing costs; a second phase of funding will be announced to cover additional costs.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.