PRACTICE STATUS DIRECTORY
NCMB is collecting information on the current status of medical practices impacted by Hurricane Helene to help patients in need of care. Please note this directory is self-reported by physicians and PAs and does NOT include information about all affected medical practices. NCMB will continuously add practice statuses as information is received. View the directory now
EMERGENCY LICENSURE
Physicians and PAs who are currently licensed in NC do not need to obtain special permission or licensure to work or volunteer. NCMB provides two pathways to allow out-of-state medical professionals who are not currently licensed in NC to assist.
First (and fastest) option: Clinicians who hold full, unrestricted licenses in their home states and are credentialed and in good standing with a hospital may work directly with a NC hospital. The NC hospital can verify the clinician’s credentials and put them to work where needed. Do not self-report to a facility - verify that your assistance is welcome first.
Second option: Clinicians with full, unrestricted licenses in a jurisdiction other than NC may submit an application to NCMB for an emergency disaster license. Additionally, physicians and PAs who have been inactive for five years or less and previously held a North Carolina license can apply for a Limited Emergency License (LEL). They must have gone inactive in good standing. An LEL authorizes a clinician to practice in NC until 30 days after the state of emergency is declared to be over. Physicians, physician assistants, licensed perfusionists and anesthesiologist assistants may apply. There is no fee.
Hurricane Helene FAQs
I am licensed in a border state and my patients have evacuated to NC because of Hurricane Helene? Can I see them via telemedicine?
As long as you are licensed and good standing in another state and you have an established relationship with the patient who is in NC temporarily, you do not need an NC medical license. If you do not have an established relationship, you will need a NC medical license and you may apply for the limited emergency license.
I am licensed in NC and my NC patients have evacuated to another state because of Hurricane Helene? Can I see them via telemedicine?
Your NC medical license only allows you to see patients located in NC at the time of care. If the patient is located in another state, the laws of that state will apply. You would need to contact that state medical board to determine if you need a license in that state, if they have an emergency license, or if there is an exception that will apply to your situation.
South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners:
- See Position Statement on Physicians Licensed in Other States Providing Care to South Carolina Residents
- You may also contact the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners to apply for a limited emergency license.
- See Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2901(33) for exceptions to licensure: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2901/
Georgia Composite Medical Board
Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners:
- Tennessee has an application for health professional practice pursuant to executive order in response to the state of emergency. Applicants should email TN.Health@tn.gov or legal@ncmedboard.org to request a form to complete and return to receive emergency authorization to practice. There is no fee for the application and the authorization to practice is until November 10, 2024.
I am licensed in NC and I have evacuated to another state because of Hurricane Helene. Can I see my patients via telemedicine?
Yes. The practice of medicine is deemed to occur where the patient is located. If the patient is located in NC, the provider must have a NC medical license (or otherwise meet an exception). There is no requirement that NC licensed providers be located in NC at the time of care. However, the use of telemedicine by NC licensed providers is only appropriate as long as they can collect sufficient clinical information to provide care. Please see Position Statement 5.1.4: Telemedicine.
If your patients have evacuated to other states, please see the above FAQ.
How long does it take to obtain a limited emergency license?
Limited emergency licenses are typically issued within days, provided the applicant has a "clean" NPDB report.
How long does the limited emergency license last?
The limited emergency license allows practice until 30 days after the state of emergency is declared over.
What is the scope of a limited emergency license?
- Clinicians with a limited emergency license may practice in an area of medicine to the extent of their education, training, and experience. To prescribe controlled substances, physicians and PAs must hold a valid DEA registration before applying for a LEL.
I am a physician assistant and have applied for a limited emergency license. Do I need a NC supervising physician?
No. NCMB has waived the requirement for PAs who are working or volunteering in an area during a declared state of emergency to have a supervising physician.
What is my liability if I volunteer?
NC law offers some immunity protections to certain volunteers working with sponsoring organizations under the Volunteer Health Services Act or certain facilities, like local health departments and nonprofit community centers. However, volunteers are encouraged to consult with an attorney or malpractice carrier for guidance about their specific liability.
I do not have internet access and cannot electronically prescribe for opiates and narcotics.
Generally, electronic prescriptions for Schedule II and III opiates and narcotics are required under the STOP Act. However, the law makes an exception for practitioners experiencing temporary technological or electrical failure or other extenuating circumstances. Practitioners should document the reason for not electronically prescribing in the patient’s medical record. N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-106(a1)(3)
I do not have internet access and cannot access the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System.
The STOP Act requires you to check the NC Controlled Substances Reporting System for the 12-month period preceding the initial prescription prior to prescribing a Schedule II or Schedule III opiate or a narcotic and for every subsequent three-month period. An inability to check the system due to a temporary electrical or technological failure should be documented in the patient’s medical record and the practitioner shall review the information once the electrical or technological failure has been resolved. N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-113.74C(a)
What pharmacies in Western North Carolina can I send prescriptions to?
Please see the NC Board of Pharmacies list of open pharmacies: https://www.ncbop.org/emergencyoperatingpharmacieshelene.html
I have questions about Medicaid.
Please see NC Medicaid’s Temporary Flexibilities Due to Hurricane Helene: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2024/10/01/update-nc-medicaid-temporary-flexibilities-due-hurricane-helene-october-1-2024
