Coronavirus (COVID-19)

While California continues to navigate the uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and works to limit its spread, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is committed to supporting consumers, licensees, applicants, and our other stakeholders by maintaining the delivery of our programs and services. DCA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, coordinating with state and local governments, and working with our partners to protect the health of Californians.

Executive Order N-39-20 – DCA and Licensee Impacts FAQ

Current DCA Waivers

Application to Restore Your License

Health Care Workforce Development

During this state of emergency, there may be a shortage of qualified health care practitioners who can aid individuals affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The governor’s Executive Order N-39-20 authorizes the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs to waive any of the professional licensing requirements that govern health care professionals in Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code and the associated regulations. These professionals include doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals.

To ensure adequate staff for health care sites throughout California, the governor is calling on health care providers, behavioral health professionals, and health care administrators to register today. Interested medical and health care professionals are encouraged to visit healthcorps.ca.gov for more information and to register for the California Health Corps. Medical doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, behavioral health scientists, pharmacists, EMTs, medical and administrative assistants, and certified nursing assistants are encouraged to step up to help California respond to the outbreak.

Continuing Education Relief

Numerous professionals are unable to satisfy continuing education requirements in light of the COVID-19 outbreak due to the cancellation of courses, resulting in their inability to satisfy professional licensing requirements that then subsequently prevent them from providing necessary assistance to the public. Under Executive Order N-39-20, the DCA director waives the continuing education requirements for the boards listed in Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, and any accompanying regulations. Under Executive Order N-40-20, the director of the Department of Consumer Affairs may waive any of the continuing education requirements in Divisions 2 and 3 of the Business and Professions Code and any accompanying regulations.

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