FCC exempts COVID-19 communications from prohibition on automated calls, text messages

The Federal Communications Commission March 20 issued a ruling confirming that the COVID-19 pandemic qualifies as an “emergency” under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Under this exception, hospitals, health care providers, state and local health officials, and other government officials may make automated calls and send automated text messages to wireless telephone numbers to communicate information about COVID-19, as well as mitigation measures without violating federal law. The TCPA, enacted in 1992 and subsequently updated by the FCC, is intended to restrict telemarketing calls and the use of automatic telephone dialing systems or prerecorded voice messages.
Related News Articles
Headline
The Senate Finance Committee Feb. 4 voted 14-13 to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. A…
Headline
Respiratory illness activity remains high across the country, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal flu…
Headline
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jan. 13 announced that it terminated efforts to establish a final COVID-19 safety standard to protect workers…
Headline
The Department of Health and Human Services Dec. 10 amended the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act declaration for COVID-19, extending liability…
Headline
AHA's latest social media toolkit for encouraging vaccination against the flu and COVID-19 provides fall-themed social media posts and graphics. Download the…
Headline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week endorsed a recommendation for people aged 65 and older and for immunocompromised individuals to…