Frequently Asked Questions

The Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals

General Program

What is ESAR-VHP?

ESAR-VHP is a national network of state- and territory-based systems, which verifies the identity and credentials of potential volunteer health professionals so that they can more readily volunteer for disaster and public health and medical emergencies. By registering through their state or territory’s ESAR-VHP program, volunteers' identities, licenses, credentials, accreditations, and hospital privileges are all verified in advance of an emergency.

Program Administration

Who manages ESAR-VHP?

At the federal level, ESAR-VHP is administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ASPR assists each state and territory in establishing a standardized, volunteer registration program.

How is the organization structured?

ASPR develops guidelines, policy, and requirements for states and territories to use in developing and implementing their ESAR-VHP programs. The states and territories have the flexibility to develop an ESAR-VHP program, which best meets the state or territory’s needs while enabling a national system of mutual aid for an optimal operation.

If I volunteer, will I have to use my sick days/vacation time?

Use of vacation/sick days will differ from employer to employer. Contact your human resource representative for organization policies and procedures.

Registration

Who can register?

Currently licensed and credentialed health professionals can volunteer with ESAR-VHP. The state or territory may register additional health professions occupations, so if your profession is not included in the list below, please consult with your state/territory ESAR-VHP coordinator:

Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists)
Behavioral health professionals (marriage and family therapists, medical and public health social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, psychologists, and mental health counselors)
Cardiovascular technologist and technicians
Dentists
Diagnostic medical sonographers
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics
Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians (includes phlebotomists)
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists
Pharmacists
Physicians
Physician assistants
Radiologic technologists and technicians
Registered nurses
Respiratory therapists
Veterinarians

Do I have to enroll online?

The way in which volunteer registration information is collected differs by state and territory Some states/territories use an online, electronic registration system while other states/territories may require volunteers to register via paper applications. Some states/territories may accept both electronic and paper registrations. Visit the ESAR-VHP registration page to find out how you can register with your state or territory.

Is there an enrollment fee?

There are no enrollment or membership fees. ESAR-VHP registration is a free service.

Can I choose to withdraw my enrollment?

Yes, you can request that your name be removed from the registry at any time.

Safety, Commitments, and Legal Protection

Is my personal information secure?

Your personal information is maintained and utilized in a manner consistent with all federal, state, territory, and local laws governing security and confidentiality.

Who has access to my personal information once I sign up?

Only authorized personnel will have access to your personal information.

If I sign up to volunteer, an emergency event occurs, and I can't go for personal or professional reasons, will I be impacted in any way?

No, you will not be adversely impacted if you choose to decline a volunteer opportunity. Volunteering is just that—volunteering. You are free to opt in or out if called to serve. You are not obligated in any way to respond, and you are not obligated to provide a reason why you are unable to participate in response.

How will I be protected personally?

A volunteer may be entitled to workers' compensation if injured while participating in an emergency response. Since workers' compensation eligibility is controlled by state or territorial law, you should consult your state or territorial program coordinator to discuss the coverage available to you.

What legal protection do volunteers have during an emergency? Is there liability coverage?

Liability protections will vary by state and territory. The state/territory may protect health volunteers participating in ESAR-VHP from exposure to civil liability due to allegations of malpractice or other medical negligence by identifying and establishing proper legal protections. Legal protections from civil liability can arise through state/territory laws and regulations. Visit your state or territory’s ESAR-VHP site, or call your state or territory program coordinator for more information.

If you have any questions, please send us an email at esarvhp@hhs.gov.

ESAR-VHP