Today Governor Newsom announced the creation of the California Health Corps in an effort for the state to address healthcare staff shortages during the COVID-19 emergency. This new initiative will expand health care sites to treat people affected by COVID-19 and will staff an additional 50,000 beds to deal with the surge.

Gov Newsom encouraged health care professionals of all backgrounds to register at healthcorps.ca.gov, saying “If you have a background in health care, we need your help.”

This includes:

• Physicians (MD, DO), including medical students
• Pharmacists
• Dentists
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Nurses (RN, LVN, CNA), including nursing students
• Behavioral health professionals (psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC)
• Respiratory therapists
• Paramedics
• Medical assistants
• Emergency medical technicians

Eligibility requirements include being:  

• 18 years of age or over
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Having a valid driver’s license or passport, and a social security card
• Having a valid California License for clinical practice (if you are a MD, DO, etc.)
• OR are a medical student or nursing student 
• Have no negative licensure/certification actions (for licensed/certified professionals)

The executive order will waive licensing requirements and will deploy health care providers around the state based on the registrant’s location preferences, skills, and experience level. Staff will be paid and be given malpractice insurance coverage.