NABP Emergency Passport Program
The NABP Emergency Passport Program was created to provide critical licensure and board action/disciplinary screening to meet criteria set by our member boards of pharmacy as a means for states to grant temporary emergency licensure safely and efficiently for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacist interns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Due to the ongoing public health emergency, NABP has extended the operation of the Emergency Passport Program beyond the previously published date of December 31, 2020. Previously issued Emergency Passports will be reinstated automatically for participating states.
Authority to practice on a temporary or emergency basis is granted exclusively by the states and in accordance with state emergency orders or as otherwise determined by the board of pharmacy. NABP and the Emergency Passport Program does not grant authority to practice in a state in which you do not hold a license or registration. Please check the board of pharmacy website if you have questions about the validity period of your Emergency Passport(s).
Participation in the Emergency Passport Program is at the discretion of each board of pharmacy. If you wish to practice temporarily in state that does not accept the Emergency Passport, check with the state board of pharmacy to determine what options are available.
Boards of pharmacy can leverage NABP Emergency Passport for COVID-19 in two ways.
- Recognize NABP Emergency Passport as a designation that allows for temporary practice according to state emergency orders or as otherwise determined by the state board of pharmacy.
- Require NABP Emergency Passport as a pre-requisite for temporary or emergency licensure.
Criteria and Steps to Apply
Criteria for the NABP Emergency Passport:
- Pharmacists must have at least one license (active and in good standing).
- Pharmacy technicians must have a license/registration or hold a certification from PTCB or CPhT.
- Interns may apply if the state licenses/registers interns and the state has included interns in their emergency declarations.
- Applicants cannot have any current or prior board actions or discipline with the exception of a minor CE infraction.
Steps to Apply:
- After checking the board websites for pre-requisites or restrictions, submit state-specific requests for an NABP Emergency Passport through e-Profile.
- To ensure efficient processing of your Emergency Passport request, your e-Profile must include all licenses/registrations you hold, and they must be up to date (valid expiration date, etc). Incomplete e-Profiles will result in a longer processing time.
- NABP will receive your request and conduct screening, including license verification and board action/disciplinary history, on behalf of the boards.
- If you meet the necessary requirements, you will be notified via email and the NABP Emergency Passport will be posted to your e-Profile.
- Some states may require Emergency Passport holders to complete an additional application prior to beginning temporary practice. (See the list of states below).
License verifications for the NABP Emergency Passport are conducted at no cost to the applicant or the boards of pharmacy.
When submitting your request, please remember
- Only select those states where you are seeking temporary licensure. Do not select states where you currently hold a license.
- There is no need to reapply for a state where you previously held an Emergency Passport. The Emergency Passport will automatically be reinstated for those states continuing participation beyond December 31, 2020, except in cases where additional licensure information is needed or if you have received a board action or discipline.
States that Recognize the NABP Emergency Passport
Authority to practice on a temporary or emergency basis is granted exclusively by the states and in accordance with state emergency orders or as otherwise determined by the board of pharmacy. Check the board of pharmacy website if you have questions about the validity period of your Emergency Passport.
| State | Professions | Additional Application Required by State |
| Arizona | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern | Yes |
| Connecticut | Pharmacist, Technician | |
| Idaho | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern | |
| Illinois | Pharmacist | Yes |
| Iowa | Pharmacist | |
| Massachusetts | Pharmacist, Technician | Yes |
| South Dakota | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern | |
| Virginia | Pharmacist, Technician | |
| West Virginia | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern |
States No Longer Participating
Below is a listing of states that no longer recognize the NABP Emergency Passport for the specified professions.
| State | Professions |
| Alabama | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| Arizona | Business |
| Connecticut | Business |
| District of Columbia | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| Idaho | Business |
| Illinois | Technician, Business |
| Iowa | Technician, Business |
| Kentucky | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern, Business |
| Louisiana | Pharmacist, Technician, Intern, Business |
| Massachusetts | Business |
| Maryland | Pharmacist, Technician |
| North Carolina | Pharmacist, Technician |
| North Dakota | Pharmacist, Technician |
| Oregon | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| South Dakota | Business |
| Tennessee | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| Texas | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| Utah | Pharmacist, Technician, Business |
| Virginia | Business |
| West Virginia | Business |