March 25, 2021 3:30 a.m.

The Oregon Health Authority has expanded who can administer FDA authorized COVID-19 vaccines, as permitted under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act.

A release said the amended federal declaration, increases the pool of vaccinators who may now be authorized to vaccinate under state law, subject to certain training and supervision requirements.

The newly eligible groups who can now administer the COVID-19 vaccines include the following health allied professionals who are currently licensed, certified or registered or who had an active license, certification or registration, within the last five years.

*Certified nursing assistants, dentists, direct entry midwives, emergency medical services providers, naturopathic physicians, nurses, licensed practical nurses, optometrists and several other categories.

Health care students in certain fields of study are eligible as well.

A complete list of eligible health professional groups is outlined in a link: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/covid19/Documents/Oregon-PREP-Act-Authorization-for-Vaccinators.pdf