As a part of current efforts to stem the coronavirus pandemic, Washington and state governments have taken the rare step of unraveling burdensome regulations. Along with all of its other disruptions of daily life, the coronavirus outbreak has forced the government to initiate an unprecedented avalanche of much-needed regulatory reforms, from allowing doctors to work easily across state lines to enabling hospitals to add more beds. It’s a shame it took a crisis. Indeed, had such regulatory reforms been undertaken earlier, our initial response to the coronavirus likely would have been more swift, nimble, and effective. As this pandemic shows, there is no shortage of fairly modest policy changes that can better prepare America for what future disasters may come our way.

Access to healthcare is paramount during times of crisis, be it natural disasters or new diseases. Unfortunately, states place excessive regulatory burdens on medical professionals and healthcare providers. In nearly half of states, for example, advanced practice registered nurses are legally required to be overseen by a doctor to prescribe medication. This means that otherwise qualified nurse practitioners are not allowed to provide patients care to the full extent of their training. However, in states where they are allowed greater autonomy, there is evidence that medical costs are reduced and access to care is increased without adverse consequences. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation, in the works prior to the pandemic, that expands nurses’ scope of practice. More states should follow suit in order to expand access to care generally, but also to reduce doctor strain during times of emergency.