Kansas Health Institute | Information For Policy Makers. Health for Kansans.

TOPEKA — In response to the Joplin tornado, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has issued an executive allowing some Missouri doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to temporarily practice in Kansas.

“Sunday’s tornado in Joplin not only severely damaged the St. John's Regional Medical Center but also many of the town’s medical offices and treatment facilities, putting a strain on the remaining medical community and leaving many medical professionals with nowhere to treat their patients,” Brownback said in prepared statement. “Allowing Missouri medical professionals to work at Kansas facilities will ensure their patients continue to have access to all necessary and essential services.”

Executive Order 11-10 applies to those with a current, valid Missouri license to practice medicine who at the time of the disaster practiced healing arts in Jasper County, Missouri, and who intend to provide medical services or surgery in Labette or Cherokee counties in Kansas.

For those who qualify, the order also temporarily waives:

· Licensing and permit fees;

· Certain licensing and permitting requirements;

· The annual insurance premium surcharge assessed against each health care provider working in Kansas.

All other applicable state and federal regulations shall remain in effect, according to the Governor's Office, including the requirement that each provider have professional liability insurance.

The order is in effect until June 26.