Tuesday, March 31 Recap
Note – We believe this is the most up-to-date information available at this time, but it is subject to change as circumstances warrant. Also, all finalized resources can be found on the COVID-19 Resource Center page of Hall Render’s website.
HHS, FEMA Create Supply Chain Task Force
- HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) created a Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force to manage the need for ventilators, personal protective equipment and other necessary equipment.
HHS Issues Letter on Optimizing Ventilator Use During COVID-19 Pandemic
- HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Brett Girior and Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams issued an open letter on optimizing ventilator use during this pandemic. The letter includes technical documents developed by FEMA and also attaches protocol developed by Columbia University as an example.
From the FDA
- The FDA released an update on accelerated development of novel therapies for COVID-19.
CMS Continues Approving Section 1135 Waivers
- CMS continued granting Section 1135 waivers to states, as Tennessee and South Carolina were approved today. Waivers for Texas, Vermont, Montana and West Virginia were approved yesterday.
From the Administration
- President Trump issued an executive order to authorize the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to order up to one million Ready Reserve members to active duty for up to two years at a time to assist with the COVID-19 national emergency.
Former FDA Commissioners Issue Road Map to “Reopen America”
- Key Advisors to the White House, including former FDA Commissioners Dr. Scott Gottlieb and Mark McClellan issued a road map for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan recommends addressing the pandemic in four phases:
- Phase 1: Slow the spread by breaking the chain of transmission;
- Phase 2: ‘Reopen’ states on a case-by-case basis;
- Phase 3: Establish protections and then lift all restrictions; and
- Phase 4: Invest in preparedness for the next pandemic.
For more information, please contact:
- John Williams III at (202) 370-9585 or jwilliams@wp.hallrender.com;
- Andrew Coats at (202) 370-9587 or acoats@wp.hallrender.com;
- Abby Kaericher at (202) 780-2989 or akaericher@wp.hallrender.com; or
- Your regular Hall Render attorney.
To access Hall Render’s COVID-19 resource page and hotline, click here.
