The Department of Health and Human Services has issued an amendment to the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act to expand the categories of healthcare professionals who can prescribe, dispense, and administer COVID-19 vaccines. This includes physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and practical nurses who held an active license within the last five years. The amendment aims to increase the number of available COVID-19 vaccinators nationwide by granting liability immunity and preempting any state laws that might otherwise restrict these professionals from participating in vaccination efforts. This change is effective as of February 2, 2021, and lasts through October 1, 2024.
Simple Explanation
The government wants more people to help give COVID-19 shots, so they are letting some doctors and nurses, even if they haven't worked in a while, give them safely. They are also protecting these helpers so they won't get in trouble if something goes wrong.