In preparation of Monday’s vaccination deadline for health care workers across New York state, Gov. Kathy Hochul has released a comprehensive new plan to address staffing shortages in hospitals and other health care facilities statewide.

The plan includes preparing to sign an executive order, if necessary, to declare a state of emergency that seeks to increase workforce supply and allow qualified health care professionals licensed in other states or countries, recent graduates, retired and formerly practicing health care professionals to practice in New York state.

"We are still in a battle against COVID to protect our loved ones, and we need to fight with every tool at our disposal," Gov. Hochul said. "I am monitoring the staffing situation closely, and we have a plan to increase our health care workforce and help alleviate the burdens on our hospitals and other health care facilities. I commend all of the health care workers who have stepped up to get themselves vaccinated, and I urge all remaining health care workers who are unvaccinated to do so now so they can continue providing care."

The mandate, announced by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August, states that all health care workers in New York state, including staff at hospitals and long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, adult care, and other congregate care settings, will be required to have their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 27.

Other options include deployment of medically-trained National Guard members, and partnering with the federal government to deploy Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) to assist local health and medical systems.

"As nurses, we are committed to providing the best care for our patients and working with the Governor on these efforts,” said Pat Kane, RN, Executive Director of New York State Nurses Association. “We need adequate staffing to protect our patients and our colleagues, and we want to do everything we can to avoid returning to crisis levels during the pandemic. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and for her bold and strategic plan to support nurses, patients, and ensuring the best possible care."

Additionally, Gov. Hochul plans to work with the federal government and other state leaders to explore ways to expedite visa requests for medical professionals.