An Order Expediting the Licensuring of Professionals Displaced by Hurricane Katrina

September 16, 2005

06 FY 06/07

WHEREAS, Hurricane Katrina has created an emergency situation for many residents of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the resulting unprecedented destruction of Hurricane Katrina forced thousands of people from these States to scatter throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, these displaced individuals have lost their homes, belongings, pets, loved ones and their communities; and

WHEREAS, these individuals are now struggling to piece together their lives, support their families and pick up the threads of their profession; and

WHEREAS, the people of the State of Maine have opened their homes, businesses and communities to persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, all licensing boards, commissions and agencies have a unique ability to assist these displaced persons to return to their chosen professions and thereby move forward with their lives:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby order all licensing boards, commissions, and agencies to maximize the use of flexibility and discretion and to formulate processes as permitted under law and consistent with public safety to allow persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina to practice their professions in Maine.

The costs associated with the implementation of this Executive Order shall be absorbed by the applicable State licensing boards, commissions and agencies.

The effective date of this Executive Order is September 16, 2005.