By Megan Rasmussen
Recently the world has seen several devastating natural disasters. Without the help of immediate medical disaster relief volunteers, recovery after these disasters would have been much worse. In 2004, nearly 280,000 were killed in the Indian Ocean Tsunami. After that tragedy, countless were left injured and homeless. Threats of disease and infection were on the rise and immediate medical attention was needed for thousands of victims in over 10 countries.
Most recently, we've watched the aftermath of the Tohoku, Japan earthquake and tsunami. The Japanese National Police Agency has accounted for nearly 10,000 deaths, and over 17,500 people are still missing. Many expect these numbers to increase, estimating the total number of casualties to reach the tens of thousands. With whole towns demolished and resources scarce, the need for medical disaster relief volunteers is obvious.
In times of disaster, medical relief volunteers are not only needed overseas, but also within our own country. Just five years ago the southern states were hit by the destructive Hurricane Katrina-leaving nearly 2,000 dead. With cities flooded and people left homeless, many were in dire need of medical attention. Medical volunteers from around the states rushed to their assistance. However, those that did so by simply showing up at the scene of the tragedy added to the chaos more than they helped it.
Medical relief volunteers who provided efficient and effective assistance were those teamed with organized disaster relief organizations. Finding a structured organization is key to providing helpful service. Additionally, precautionary steps should be taken to determine medical licensing and professional liability coverage requirements. Depending on the state, country, and the disaster response organization, the medical licensing rules may vary.
In some cases, governors will lift the state licensure requirements during a time when medical volunteers are greatly needed. For example, the governors of both Louisiana and Missouri waived licensure requirements during the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. However, the Mississippi and Texas governors did not. Instead, they implemented a streamlined application process and still required in-state licensure.
However, if doctors use a qualified physician staffing agency to find a federal disaster relief organization, such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control or the National Institutes of Health, any state license will be acceptable. Most federal disaster relief organizations contract with physician staffing agencies to find physicians. As a physician, it's most helpful to find a staffing agency that can place you with a federally contracted relief organization.
Before you begin your service as a medical disaster relief volunteer with a non-federal organization, check the licensure requirements. Although your intentions are good, the "Good Samaritan" laws don't apply to all disaster situations. For more information on licensing and medical disaster relief volunteer opportunities through federal disaster relief organizations, contact a qualified physician staffing agency today!
Most recently, we've watched the aftermath of the Tohoku, Japan earthquake and tsunami. The Japanese National Police Agency has accounted for nearly 10,000 deaths, and over 17,500 people are still missing. Many expect these numbers to increase, estimating the total number of casualties to reach the tens of thousands. With whole towns demolished and resources scarce, the need for medical disaster relief volunteers is obvious.
In times of disaster, medical relief volunteers are not only needed overseas, but also within our own country. Just five years ago the southern states were hit by the destructive Hurricane Katrina-leaving nearly 2,000 dead. With cities flooded and people left homeless, many were in dire need of medical attention. Medical volunteers from around the states rushed to their assistance. However, those that did so by simply showing up at the scene of the tragedy added to the chaos more than they helped it.
Medical relief volunteers who provided efficient and effective assistance were those teamed with organized disaster relief organizations. Finding a structured organization is key to providing helpful service. Additionally, precautionary steps should be taken to determine medical licensing and professional liability coverage requirements. Depending on the state, country, and the disaster response organization, the medical licensing rules may vary.
In some cases, governors will lift the state licensure requirements during a time when medical volunteers are greatly needed. For example, the governors of both Louisiana and Missouri waived licensure requirements during the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. However, the Mississippi and Texas governors did not. Instead, they implemented a streamlined application process and still required in-state licensure.
However, if doctors use a qualified physician staffing agency to find a federal disaster relief organization, such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control or the National Institutes of Health, any state license will be acceptable. Most federal disaster relief organizations contract with physician staffing agencies to find physicians. As a physician, it's most helpful to find a staffing agency that can place you with a federally contracted relief organization.
Before you begin your service as a medical disaster relief volunteer with a non-federal organization, check the licensure requirements. Although your intentions are good, the "Good Samaritan" laws don't apply to all disaster situations. For more information on licensing and medical disaster relief volunteer opportunities through federal disaster relief organizations, contact a qualified physician staffing agency today!
