Healthcare professionals do not need to be concerned about offering help across state lines. Normal licensing requirements for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who cross state lines to provide emergency care in areas stricken by Hurricane Katrina will be waived as long as the provider is licensed in their home state, according to CMS.

Still, professionals who plan to help should let someone know about their intentions. For instance, Louisiana's Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) asks that anyone who volunteers his or her services wait for a return phone call from a department representative before coming to Louisiana. This step will ensure volunteers are assigned to areas where their medical skills will be of the most use. DHH asks that medical volunteers send an email with their name, contact information and area of experience, as well as dates of availability to eocpio@dhh.la.gov

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is organizing healthcare professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. For more information, go to https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov.

Individuals who are not medical professionals can find information on volunteering at http://USAFreedomCorps.gov