Nebraska Gov. Peter Ricketts today announced two moves — including declaring a hospital staffing emergency — aimed at making it easier for hospitals in the state to increase staffing amid Covid-19.

The first is an executive order focused on expanding the pool of eligible healthcare professionals. It declares a hospital staffing emergency and authorizes the credentialing of retired or inactive healthcare professionals, defers certain continuing education requirements and allows new healthcare providers seeking a license to begin practice. The executive order is effective immediately and will remain in effect through the end of this year.

In addition, Ricketts issued a directed health measure that suspends certain elective surgeries that can wait four weeks or longer without substantially changing a patient’s outcome. The measure takes effect Aug. 30 and will remain in effect through Sept. 30.