Evaluation of the COVID-19 Emergency Reciprocity Licensure Program in New Jersey

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of New Jersey enacted the Emergency Reciprocity Licensure Program, allowing out-of-state health care practitioners to obtain temporary licensure and provide services to New Jersey patients via telehealth or in-person. In partnership with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs, the goal of this study is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 Emergency Reciprocity Licensure Program on access to care in New Jersey and draw lessons for future licensure policies. This mixed methods project has three components: 1) a survey of practitioners licensed through the program; 2) key informant interviews with New Jersey and national licensing stakeholders; and 3) a literature review to describe the national policy environment for temporary licensures.