Want to go help the regions hardest hit by COVID-19? Here are some things to consider while you’re planning.
Note: We caution you against self-deployment. It’s important to work directly with the facilities within the areas in need so they can coordinate an appropriate destination for you. Read ACEP and NAEMSP’s joint statement about unsolicited medical personnel volunteering at disaster scenes.
COVID-19 Jobs/Volunteer Opportunities
When it comes to finding hospitals or areas that are seeking temporary assistance, it varies. Here are some of the city/state-run programs in some of the hot spots around the country. We will continue to add to this list as we find more opportunities.
Please keep in mind all opportunities on this list are fluid and cannot be guaranteed. If you’re aware of opportunities not on this list, please send them to cprice@acep.org.
Volunteer Positions
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Louisiana (in-state volunteers)
- Louisiana (out-of-state volunteers)
- Michigan
- New York City
- New York State
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- Washington, DC
- North Carolina
Team Rubicon is supporting the Federal Medical Station in Santa Clara, CA and The Indian Health Services. Find out more at www.teamrubiconusa.org.
The MAVEN Project is collecting information from physicians interested in volunteering and providing that information to federal and state agencies seeking volunteers. Submit your information.
COVID-related Jobs
- Hospital systems are posting COVID-specific job listings on their own websites, so we encourage you to check those hospital websites directly, if you have a specific place in mind. One such hospital is New York-Presbyterian, Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Apply online.
- EMcareers.org is categorizing job opportunities with a “COVID-19,” but those categories are chosen by the employer. Being on that particular list doesn’t guarantee it’s a COVID-specific, temporary job.
Where to Stay
- Hilton is offering ACEP and ENA members free and discounted hotel rooms so they can have a safe place to stay if working far from home or self-isolating to protect their families. ACEP members have access to free rooms in certain cities.
- Marriott Bonvoy is offering Rooms for Responders in collaboration with its credit card partners, American Express and JPMorgan Chase, to provide free rooms to frontline health care workers in some of the hardest hit cities in the US. The program offers ACEP members a place to stay and to ease their concerns about the wellbeing of loved ones at home whether they live locally or have traveled in to support overwhelmed hospitals.
How to Get There
Flight Discounts
- United Airlines is supporting the fight by flying healthcare workers to NYC in cooperation with the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.
- Delta is offering free flights for healthcare workers to Louisiana, Georgia and Michigan and is looking into expanding this offer to California, New York and Washington.
Rental Cars
- Avis Budget Group– ACEP members can enjoy reduced rates by either booking with Avis or Budget through June 30.
- BP and Amoco gas stations- 50 cents discount per gallon for health care professionals
- Hertz– The vehicle rental chain will offer free month-long rentals for healthcare workers in New York City
Childcare and Pet Care Assistance
- Sittercity, a company that connects you with and helps you hire local nannies and babysitters, is offering three months of premium membership for free on their platform to healthcare professionals.
- Care.com– 30 days of free, premium website access for healthcare workers. Care.com provides childcare, senior care, special needs care, pet care, housekeeping and tutors.
Discounts & Member Support
We are adding new partner discounts and industry supporters daily. Before you make plans, visit our member discount page to take advantage of all the available offers.
State Licensure Considerations
The Federation of State Medical Boards has updated information regarding COVID-19 licensure.
- States modifying licensure requirements in response to COVID-19
- Recommendations for license portability during COVID-19
- States expediting licensure for required/inactive licenses
Many states have approved 1135 waivers for Medicaid that extend the provider enrollment period through the crisis as well as temporarily extends license validation periods and permit greater flexibility in how services are delivered, including telehealth. View approved 1135 waivers, state by state.
How About Telehealth
If you’ve wondered about providing telehealth services out-of-state, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has waived the licensure requirement provided that the physician has a valid license in another state for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. However, in order for this federal waiver to be effective, the State also would have to waive its licensure requirements, either individually or categorically, for the type of practice for which the physician or non-physician practitioner is licensed in his or her home State. Individual states can offer more flexibilities, including waiving this requirement for all insurers, not just Medicare and Medicaid.
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