Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar announced on July 23 that he has renewed the public health emergency (PHE) declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic before it was set to expire on July 25. The declaration, effective July 25, will last an additional 90 days and may be renewed as long as the PHE continues to exist.
The declaration, which HHS originally issued on Jan. 31 and renewed in April, provides the administration with a set of flexibilities and authorities, including relaxing pre-pandemic telemedicine requirements to broaden access to care as the nation responds to COVID-19.
The AAMC joined a group of health and public health organizations in a letter to Secretary Azar on June 23 urging the administration to renew the PHE before it expired [see Washington Highlights, June 26].
- Washington Highlights