Administration to end COVID-19 emergency declarations on May 11

The Biden Administration plans to end on May 11 the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies declared in 2020, according to a policy statement released yesterday by the Office of Management and Budget opposing House resolutions that would end the emergencies immediately if passed. The Administration’s plan would align with its previous commitments to give at least 60 days’ notice before terminating the PHE.

In a statement for the media, Stacey Hughes, AHA’s executive vice president for government relations and public policy, said, “While the country may be entering a new phase of the fight against COVID-19, hospitals and their caregivers continue to navigate a host of weighty challenges including workforce shortages and financial challenges, cost increases for equipment and drugs, disrupted supply chains and sicker patients. These issues will require continued attention and investment from the federal government.

“The decision to sunset the PHE is a testament to the progress we have made, but that progress should not end with the PHE. We should preserve many of the best care innovations that served us well during the pandemic, like expanded use of telehealth and the development of hospital at home programs. We will work with the Administration to build on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with our strong urging that many of the COVID-19 PHE flexibilities be made permanent.”