Health Care Workers and Vaccination Requirements

To further protect vulnerable Californians and health care workers, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently issued two public health orders:

• The first order requires workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated or receive their second dose by September 30, 2021.
• The second public health order directs hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities to verify that visitors are fully vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 in the prior 72 hours before indoor visits.

Additionally, local public health departments may have or issue orders with vaccination requirements that apply to licensees and settings beyond the California Department of Public Health’s orders.

Licensees are encouraged to thoroughly read the CDPH public health orders and regularly check their local public health departments website for additional vaccination requirements. To find a local public health department website, visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/get-local-information/#County-websites.

FEMA Funeral Assistance Program

COVID-19 Information

Dear Stakeholders,

While California continues to navigate the uncertainty of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit its spread, the BVNPT is committed to supporting our licensees, applicants, and consumers throughout the course of this pandemic and to provide continuity of service at all times. The BVNPT is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, coordinating with the state and local governments, and working with our partners to protect the health of Californians.

The BVNPT understands the ability to perform your jobs with a license is a priority. We appreciate your patience as we work on implementing new technologies to work remotely and adhere to social distancing guidelines. We apologize in advance for any delays in reaching our staff or potential delays in our processing times.

We have received a number of inquiries from our licensees. We are providing the below FAQ’s in an effort to provide information.

The best general guidance will continue to come from the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are There Fee Waivers Available?

   At this time the law does not allow this.

2. Should My Business or Practice Remain Open?

   The BVNPT does not have authority to close businesses or practices solely as a result of COVID-19. We strongly encourage you to assess whether your business is an essential job function as outlined by the Governor and follow the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Check with your local county health department to determine what activities are also considered essential and non-essential.

3. My License is Retired. Can I Renew to Help Combat Coronavirus?

   At this time you need to follow requirements on restoring a license.

4. My Exam Was Canceled. What Does that Mean?

   The BVNPT is working to ensure that expedited exam processing occurs and look at ways to mitigate delays. We are actively working with the examination vendors to reschedule exams and honoring any fees applied or providing refunds when necessary.

5. I am licensed in a state outside of California. Does California allow licensing reciprocity during the State of Emergency?

   If you are a licensed healthcare provider in a state other than California, please visit the Emergency Medical Services Authority for information to be able to practice in California. Please visit the “Authorization of Out-Of-State Medical Personnel” section on this website.

The BVNPT reminds all licensees to be particularly mindful and respectful that this is a time of high anxiety for all Californians.

We encourage any other inquiries to be sent through email to BVNPT@dca.ca.gov for a timely response.

Continuing Education Waivers

Information on Continuing Education Waivers (CEU) can be found at Department of Consumer Affairs Coronavirus (COVID-19)