DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS/INFO

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Practice Exemptions Status

Healthcare professionals who do not hold a current Utah license may work in Utah within their scope of practice under the following temporary emergency exemptions and other existing exemptions.  See Utah Code §§ 58-1-307 and 58-81-101 et. seq.

arrow_back Select from the submenu for the specific exemptions.

Physicians

• For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, a physician licensed in good standing may provide general supervision to a medical assistant when the medical assistant is administering influenza vaccinations.  The medical assistant must be adequately trained, and the physician must ensure a written protocol is in place that the medical assistant shall follow to screen vaccine candidates and to deal with any adverse events after immunization.  View the full Order here
• A physician formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.).  This practitioner would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional.  All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.

  Apply for a Volunteer Health Care Practitioner license at: https://dopl.utah.gov/md/.

Nurses

• A nurse who is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) may work in Utah without the need to obtain a license, per the eNLC rules.  (If the eNLC nurse decides to designate Utah as the nurse’s primary state of residence, the nurse must notify DOPL and their previous home state and obtain a Utah license.)
• Per Utah Code Subsection 58-1-307(4)(b)(ii) for the duration of the declared emergency, an LPN who is licensed in good standing may dispense as a "practitioner" in accordance with Utah Code Section 58-17b-309.7 and Utah Admin. Code R156-17b-309.7.
• A nurse formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.).  The nurse would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional.  All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.

Manual Forms

• Temporary Registered Nurse Apprentice Application
• Certification of Academic Status of Nurse Education
• Temporary Graduate Nurse LPN/RN Application
• Retired Volunteer Health Care Practitioner Application

Mental Health

License Exemptions

Mental health professionals who do not hold a current Utah license may work in Utah within their scope of practice under the following temporary emergency exemptions and other existing exemptions. See Utah Code §§ 58-1-307 and 58-81-101 et. seq. Exemptions from licensure specific to mental health professions can also be found in Utah Code § 58-60-107

Formerly Licensed Healthcare Professionals

1. If a mental health professional’s former Utah license to practice expired or lapsed while in good standing, the professional may obtain expedited licensure in their profession by submitting a regular application for renewal or reinstatement of licensure.

   To apply, visit the specific profession page on DOPL’s website at https://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html.

2. Mental health professionals who were formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.). These professionals would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional.

   All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.To apply, visit the specific profession page on DOPL's website at: https://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html

Military Members/Spouses & Federal Agency Employees

1. A mental health professional serving in the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Public Health Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or other federal agency may practice in Utah as a part of employment with that federal agency if the individual holds a valid license to practice issued by any other state or jurisdiction recognized by the division.

   No DOPL application or registration is required.

2. A military spouse who has been relocated to Utah by military orders and has an active license in good standing from another state, may practice in Utah within the scope of their license.

   No DOPL application or registration is required.

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Notice of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications

To reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19, DOPL in collaboration with the Utah mental health professional licensing boards issues the following guidance to permit Utah licensed mental health professionals to engage in telehealth remote communications with Utah patients during the COVID-19 public health emergency:

Utah telehealth requirements are in Utah Admin. Code §§ R156-1-601 and R156-1-602:https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/R156-1.%20%20General%20Rule%20of%20the%20Division%20of%20Occupational%20and%20Professional%20Licensing/Current%20Rules. However, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, providers may adhere to the requirements and recommendations set forth by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services:

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html

Note: This guidance is not intended to alter the applicable standard of practice for any mental health profession. All providers shall be held to the same standards of practice, including maintaining patient confidentiality and recordkeeping, that would apply to the provision of the same services in an in-person setting.

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Remote Supervision

In order to reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19, supervision may be conducted via real time electronic means. When providing services remotely, licensees must protect the security of electronic, confidential data and information.

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Continuing Education

Please refer to Director Steinagel’s letter regarding continuing education. https://dopl.utah.gov/docs/CE_Live_Requirements_signed.pdf

Physical Therapists

Physical Therapist Administration of Respiratory Therapy Treatments during Declared Emergency

Approved July 27, 2020

A Utah licensed physical therapist may administer certain respiratory therapy treatments, including the non-invasive delivery of medication to non-critical patients.  This exemption includes permitting a physical therapist to administer aerosols in an institutional setting, even if a respiratory therapist is available in, or within a 10-mile radius of, the institution.  See Utah Code §58-24b-403(2).  The physical therapist must be adequately trained, and must work under the general supervision of an actively licensed respiratory care practitioner (respiratory therapist).  This temporary emergency expansion does not alter the applicable standard of practice for any profession.

Formerly Licensed Healthcare Professionals

• If a healthcare professional’s former Utah license to practice expired or lapsed while in good standing, the professional may obtain expedited licensure in their profession by submitting a regular application for renewal or reinstatement of licensure.

  To apply, visit the specific profession page on DOPL’s website at https://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html.

• Many other healthcare professionals who were formerly licensed in Utah or in another U.S. state or territory, whose license was unrestricted and in good standing, may apply for a volunteer health care practitioner license to work exclusively as a volunteer at a qualified location (clinic, hospital, church, etc.).  These professionals would work under a delegation of service agreement with an actively licensed supervising professional.

  All DOPL fees are waived for these applicants.  To apply, visit the specific profession page on DOPL's website at: https://dopl.utah.gov/licenses.html

  • podiatrist
  • physical therapist
  • recreational therapist
  • occupational therapist
  • nurse midwife
  • mental health professional (social worker, marriage and family therapist, clinical mental health counselor, substance use disorder counselor)
  • psychologist
  • dentist or dental hygienist
  • physician assistant
  • pharmacist; or
  • optometrist

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Per Utah Code § 58-1-307, the following licensees, while employed by or volunteering with a COVID-19 vaccination effort by (1) a local or state department of health, or (2) a host entity as defined in Utah Code Section § 26-49-102, may administer COVID-19 vaccinations in accordance with statutes and rules governing supervision and delegation by appropriately licensed healthcare professionals:

The following Title 58 licensees:

• a Certified Nurse Midwife licensed under Chapter 44a, Nurse Midwife Practice Act;
• a Respiratory Therapist licensed under Chapter 57, Respiratory Care Practices Act;
• a Dentist licensed under Chapter 69, Dentist and Dental Hygienist Practice Act; and
• a Dental Hygienist licensed under Chapter 69, Dentist and Dental Hygienist Practice Act;
• a Podiatric Physician licensed under Chapter 5a, Podiatric Physician Licensing Act.

The following Title 58 licensees who are activated as members of a volunteer medical reserve corps by a local health authority per Utah Code § 26a-1-126, or registered with DOPL as volunteer health care practitioners under Title 26, Chapter 49 Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act:

• an Optometrist licensed under Chapter 16a, Utah Optometry Practice Act;
• a Veterinarian licensed under Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act;
• a Veterinarian Intern licensed under Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act, while under the direct supervision of a licensed Veterinarian;
• a State Certified Veterinary Technician who is state certified under Chapter 28, Veterinary Practice Act, while under the direct supervision of a licensed Veterinarian
• a Physical Therapist licensed under Chapter 24b, Physical Therapy Practice Act;
• a Physical Therapist Assistant licensed under Chapter 24b, Physical Therapy Practice Act;
• an Occupational Therapist licensed under Chapter 42a, Occupational Therapy Practice Act; and
• an Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed under Chapter 42a, Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

HOW DO I SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

All volunteers must register with Utah Responds at: https://www.utahresponds.org/

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO:

https://coronavirus.utah.gov/call-for-volunteers/

Pharmacy Notices

Pharmacist Preceptors for Vaccinations

Approved January 29, 2021

Per Utah Code §58-1-307(4), for the duration of the declared emergency a pharmacist who is associated with a College of Pharmacy and is licensed in good standing in any U.S. state, district, or territory, may act as a preceptor under Utah Admin.  Code R156-17b-606 for the purpose of administration of vaccines in accordance with Utah Admin.  Code R156-17b-621 and the Vaccine Administration Protocol Standing Order to Administer Immunizations and Emergency Medications Revised September 24, 2020

Pharmacy Technician Trainee COVID-19 Vaccine Administration

Approved March 23, 2021.

For the duration of the declared emergency, Licensed Pharmacy Technicians who have met the Department of Health and Human Services requirements for joining the expanded COVOD-19 Vaccine workforce, https://www.phe.gov/emergency/events/COVID19/COVIDvaccinators/Pages/training.aspx are permitted to administer COVID-19 vaccines, under supervision of a pharmacist, pursuant to the PREP Act, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-03-16/pdf/2021-05401.pdf

Standing Order for Pharmacists to Administer COVID-19 Tests

Approved June 30, 2020. Revised July 21, 2020.

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Pharmacist to Pharmacy Technician Trainee Ratio

Approved December 16, 2020.

Two pharmacy technician trainees may work under the direct supervision, at the discretion of the pharmacist-provided a licensed pharmacy technician or intern is also working during the same shift as the two pharmacy technician trainees, during the COVID-19 pandemic only.

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Exception to Regulations Emergency Oral CII Prescription

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has provided guidance regarding the issuance of oral schedule II prescriptions.  These exceptions shall remain in place for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (unless modified or withdrawn by DEA).

• Guidance https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/GDP/(DEA-DC-021)(DEA073)%20Oral%20CII%20for%20regular%20CII%20scirpt%20(Final)%20+Esign%20a.pdf
• Flowchart https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/GDP/(DEA-DC-023)(DEA075)Decision_Tree_(Final)_33120_2007.pdf

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Controlled Substance Inventory

Approved April 30, 2020

A pharmacy may conduct a controlled substance inventory 120 days before or after their regularly scheduled inventory date in 2020 or 120 days after the end of the declared emergency.

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Pharmacy Intern Supervision during the Declared Emergency

Approved April 30, 2020

Pharmacy Interns may practice under General Supervision.  General Supervision is defined in Utah Admin Code R156-1-102a-Global Levels of Supervision   https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/search/R156-1.%20%20General%20Rule%20of%20the%20Division%20of%20Occupational%20and%20Professional%20Licensing/Current%20Rules

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Authorizing Emergency Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products

Approved on 3/16/2020

To reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate possible shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit the compounding and sale of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products by Utah-licensed pharmacies.  Compounders must adhere to the requirements and recommendations set forth in the FDA’s Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency. https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download  This guidance is in effect until rescinded by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

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Assignment of Beyond-Use-Dates (BUD) for USP <797> Products

Approved April 30, 2020

Due to increased shortages and potential wastage of compounded medications the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance.  The following BUDs may be assigned if compounding does not otherwise deviate from the currently official version of USP General Chapter <797> (last revised in 2008).

1. For low- and medium-risk level CSPs prepared in a cleanroom suite, apply BUDs conservatively, not to exceed:
   • 4 days at controlled room temperature
   • 10 days in a refrigerator for medium-risk level CSPs
   • 14 days in refrigerator for low-risk level CSPs
   • 45 days in a solid frozen state at −25° to −10° or colder
2. If a single-dose container is entered or punctured only in ISO Class 5 or cleaner air, it may be used up to:
   • 12 hours after initial entry or puncture, as long as the storage requirements during that 12-hour period are maintained.
   • Opened single-dose ampules must not be stored for any time period.

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Face to Face Counseling during the declared emergency

Approved 4/30/2020

The risk of COVID-19 exposure to pharmacists and patients warrants alternative measures be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, and to ensure that pharmacists remain healthy and available to serve patients.  Pharmacists may supplement traditional face-to-face consultation and interact with patients through technological means, e.g., text chat, video chat, telephone.  Patients should be provided supplemental materials with the prescription on the methods available for them to speak with the pharmacist.

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Reuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Compounding Activities

Approved on 3/16/2020

To mitigate reported shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit licensees conducting sterile compounding to reuse certain personal protective equipment (PPE).  To reuse sterile compounding garb, a licensed compounding facility shall comply with all the following:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the appropriate reuse of PPE that will not compromise the microbial state of control in the compounding rooms.
• Train compounding staff on the policies and procedures developed for reusing PPE.
• For the reuse of masks:
  • The identification of personnel is clearly stated on the mask (i.e. initialed).
  • Masks are removed on the dirty side of the ante-room or outside of the perimeter line of the segregated control area (SCA) without touching the inside of the mask.
  • Each mask for reuse is placed in its own small bag.
  • All masks in bags must be placed in a container located near where masks would normally be donned.
  • Compounding personnel must inspect the mask each time it is reused to ensure the mask provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the mask, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
• For the reuse of gowns:
  • Please refer to recommendations from USP Compounding Resource for COVID-19.
  • Compounding personnel must inspect the gown each time it is reused to ensure the gown provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the gown, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.

IMPORTANT: The following sterile compounding garb cannot be reused:

• Shoe covers and sterile gloves

If items are unavailable, the facility should develop a risk based approach.

USP Compounding Resource for COVID-19

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General Reminders for Pharmacy Personnel to Mitigate Risk of Exposure

Revised 7/30/2020

Utah Pharmacies should follow the CDC published guidance for pharmacies during the COVID-19 response.  These guidelines can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pharmacies.html.

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EMERGENCY REFILLS: 30 day supply.  Please refer to Utah Code 58-17b-608

local_pharmacy Pharmacy Notices

The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in collaboration with the Utah Board of Pharmacy is committed to protecting the health and safety of Utahns during the COVID-19 outbreak.  The following information is for the duration of the declared emergency.

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COVID-19 Emergency Licenses

Your license must be current and in good standing in your home state in order to obtain an emergency license.

Please go to the following link to apply for an emergency license. https://dopl.utah.gov/pharm/

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Authorizing Emergency Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products

Approved on 3/16/2020

To reduce opportunities for the transmission of COVID-19 and mitigate possible shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit the compounding and sale of certain alcohol-based hand sanitizer products by Utah-licensed pharmacies.  Compounders must adhere to the requirements and recommendations set forth in the FDA’s Policy for Temporary Compounding of Certain Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Products During the Public Health Emergency. https://www.fda.gov/media/136118/download  This guidance is in effect until rescinded by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

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Reuse of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Compounding Activities

Approved on 3/16/2020

To mitigate reported shortages, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Utah Board of Pharmacy issues the following guidance to permit licensees conducting sterile compounding to reuse certain personal protective equipment (PPE).  To reuse sterile compounding garb, a licensed compounding facility shall comply with all the following:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the appropriate reuse of PPE that will not compromise the microbial state of control in the compounding rooms.
• Train compounding staff on the policies and procedures developed for reusing PPE.
• For the reuse of masks:
  • The identification of personnel is clearly stated on the mask (i.e. initialed).
  • Masks are removed on the dirty side of the ante-room or outside of the perimeter line of the segregated control area (SCA) without touching the inside of the mask.
  • Each mask for reuse is placed in its own small paper bag with the personnel’s initials on the outside of the bag.  A new bag must be used each time the mask is removed for reuse.
  • All masks in bags must be placed in a container located where masks would normally be donned.
  • Compounding personnel must inspect the mask each time it is reused to ensure the mask provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the mask, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.
• For the reuse of gowns:
  • Gowns may only be reused over the course of a single day.
  • Compounding personnel must inspect the gown each time it is reused to ensure the gown provides adequate control (i.e. condition of the gown, whether it is visibly soiled, handling technique, etc.) in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures.

IMPORTANT: The following sterile compounding garb cannot be reused:

• Shoe covers and sterile gloves

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General Reminders for Pharmacy Personnel to Mitigate Risk of Exposure

1. Please ensure your staff use appropriate social distancing and avoid close contact to reduce spread.  Also remind staff to be cautious about touching medications.  Disinfect counting trays and spatulas routinely.  Consider implementing policies similar to food service workers where staff are required to set a timer and wash their hands at regular intervals (30 minutes to 1 hour).
2. Establish a process for reducing or eliminating the amount of time older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions wait in line to pick up medications.
3. Implement infection control procedures, especially for waiting areas:
   1. Staff should maintain a distance of 3 feet from asymptomatic patients or other staff members and at least 6 feet from those actively coughing.
   2. Regularly clean counters, waiting areas, and other spaces where public interaction occurs with disinfectant.  It is recommended to clean at least every hour or after every 10 patients, whichever is more frequent.
   3. Place alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol next to the cash register or check out area so people can sanitize their hands after using common items like pens.
   4. Wash hands with soap and water frequently and for at least 20 seconds.  Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
   5. Cover cough and sneeze with tissue and discard.
4. Monitor all staff for sickness regularly. Staff should stay home if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
5. Pharmacies should consider using alternative delivery options (mail or delivery) for patients to help maintain social distancing recommendations.
6. Encourage people to buy cold medicine and refill prescriptions now, if possible, so they do not have to go out if they develop COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Guidance for Refills

Pharmacists may provide patients with a 3-day emergency supply of medications according to Utah Code 58-17b-608 Emergency refills.

1. In the interest of the patient's health, a pharmacist or pharmacy intern may, in an emergency, refill a prescription for a patient, but only if the prescribing practitioner is not available promptly to authorize the refill and only if in the professional judgment of the pharmacist or pharmacy intern the prescription should be refilled.
2. Only sufficient medication as necessary in the emergency may be furnished by the pharmacist or pharmacy intern, not to exceed a three-day supply.
3. The practitioner shall be contacted as soon as possible for further instructions concerning the emergency.

Pharmacist may dispense a one-time early dispensing of a Schedule II prescription, using professional judgement, and shall document the reason for early dispensing.

Electrical and Plumbing Licensure Notice

Practical Exams & COVID-19

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Due to the difficulty associated with administering the requisite practical exam, DOPL is requiring the following as satisfaction of the exam at this time:

1. You must sign up for the practical exam for a future date. You will not actually take the exam at this time.
2. You must pay the exam provider in advance of sitting for the exam.
3. The exam provider will give you a receipt of payment or other documentation that you signed up for the exam.
4. You will submit a copy of the receipt or other documentation along with your application to DOPL as temporary satisfaction of the exam requirement.
5. If you meet all of the other requirements for licensure pursuant to Utah Code Ann. 58-1-303(1)(a), you will be issued the respective license.
6. After the COVID-19 emergency has subsided, you will have 120 days to take the practical exam and provide the certificate of successful completion to DOPL.
7. DOPL may take disciplinary action on the applicant, including revocation of license, if the exam is not completed as outlined above.

BE ADVISED THAT THIS PROCESS IS TEMPORARY AND WILL BE DISCONTINUED AFTER THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY HAS ENDED.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU MAY REACH US AT: B5@utah.gov.