Missouri Governor Ends Executive Order…Starts New One Related to Coronavirus

(Jefferson City) Governor Mike Parson terminated Executive Order 20-02, ending the State of Emergency that had been in effect since March 13th, 2020.

However, upon the termination of the order, the governor issued Executive Order 21-09 which represents a more targeted State of Emergency declaration that acknowledges the continued needs of Missouri’s health care system.

While Missouri’s economy has improved, the health care system is still experiencing strain due to current staffing shortages being exacerbated by COVID-19.

The new order invokes the governor’s emergency powers and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed.

The order also keeps in place provisions related to remote notary services and telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waivers of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the State’s response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Any statutory or regulatory waiver approved under Executive Order 20-02 that is still in effect as of the date of the new order will remain in place.

New requests would be subject to approval from the governor’s office.

At the peak, more than 600 waivers were in place but only 163 waivers remain in effect now under the new order.

Many of the remaining waivers are implemented by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

The new Executive Order will terminate on December 31st.

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