AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott made a move Saturday that could help prevent delays at Texas pharmacies.

  • The waivers are temporary
  • Expiration dates for licenses extended

The governor waived certain licensing renewal regulations for Texas pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician trainees.

The waivers temporarily extend expiration dates for licenses and temporarily suspend continuing education requirements for pharmacists.

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"As our state responds to COVID-19, it is important that Texans continue to have access to the services they depend on to meet their daily needs," said Abbott. "With these waivers, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can continue to meet the needs of their fellow Texans without potential delays caused by an expired license."

The Texas governor also waived certain regulations allowing for an expedited licensing reactivation process for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in Texas.

Under these waivers, an APRN with a license that has been inactive for more than two years, but less than four years, will not have to pay a reactivation fee, complete continuing education credits, or complete the current practice requirements. For APRNs with a license that has been inactive for more than four years, the reactivation fee and continuing education requirements will be waived.