*Missouri Governor ? Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

August 27, 2021

*Governor Parson Ends Existing?State of Emergency by Terminating Executive *

*Order 20-02*

"Signs Executive?Order 21-09 Declaring?Targeted State of Emergency for Health Care System"

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO)* ? Today, Governor Mike Parson terminated Executive Order?20-02 ending the State of Emergency that had been?in effect?since March 13, 2020.?

"In the nearly 18 months we operated under this Executive Order, we have responded to the?COVID-19 crisis by providing?unprecedented levels of resources and support," *Governor**?Parson* said. "This Order enabled us to respond to the unknown?and everchanging needs of our state. Now, we know how to fight this virus and have a solution to ending the pandemic with the vaccine. Today,?we are?terminating?this?order as our?situation no longer demands?an expansive emergency?declaration."?

Upon the termination?of Executive?Order 20-02, Governor Parson 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.

Executive?Order?21-09 invokes the Governor's emergency powers pursuant to Section 44.100 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 waiver 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.?Approval of any new waivers will be aimed at supporting Missouri's health care system and response to COVID-19.?New requests will be subject to approval from the Governor's Office.

Under?the new order and as part of the transition process from the previous order, the state has significantly?scaled back the number of waivers in effect. At the peak, more than 600 statutory and regulatory waivers were in place; however, only 163 waivers remain?in effect under the new order. Many of the remaining waivers are implemented by the?Missouri?Department of Health and Senior Services. The remaining?waivers were found?to be necessary?to support the health care system, provide regulatory flexibility, and ensure the state remains federally?compliant.

"We have always taken a balanced approach in our response?to COVID-19, and this new order demonstrates the progress we have made in fighting this virus," *Governor Parson* said. "Like all Missourians, we want this crisis to end and to close this chapter. However, while we are shifting our operations, we must maintain flexibility to aid our health care system and adapt to the challenges we face."

"We are returning to normal, but we must continue providing needed resources and support while more Missourians choose COVID-19 vaccination and are protected from serious illness," *Governor?Parson* continued.?

Executive?Order 21-09 will terminate?on December 31, 2021. To view the order, click here [ [link removed] ]?or see attachment.?

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* Executive Order 21-09.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work:? 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson ? PO Box 720?? Jefferson City, MO 65102 ? (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]