On May 3, 2017, the Governor of the State of Florida signed Executive Order Number 17-146 declaring that the opioid epidemic threatens the State with an emergency and that, as a consequence of this danger, a state of emergency exists. Also, in the executive order, the Governor directed the State Health Officer and Surgeon General to declare a statewide public health emergency, pursuant to its authority in section 381.00315, F.S. On June 29, 2017, the Governor signed Executive Order Number 17-177 to extend the state of emergency declaration. The department was recently awarded a two-year grant to address this opioid epidemic. The department will use these funds in part to expand methadone medication-assisted treatment services in needed areas of the state as part of a comprehensive plan to address the opioid crisis. Revising the licensure requirements through an emergency rule is necessary to accommodate the critical need for more methadone medication-assisted treatment providers. Due to the impact of Hurricane Irma on providers and individuals in treatment, the department has determined that extending the submission dates for applicants is necessary.