The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response (ASPR) has renewed the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for 90 days effective April 12, 2022.

The renewal ensures health care providers and state and territorial health departments have continued flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. These flexibilities support efforts such as rapid patient care during emergencies, including waivers from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for certain requirements under section 1135 of the Social Security Act. Examples of such requirements include pre-approval requirements and temporary reassignment of state, territorial, tribal, or local staff who typically are funded by federal grants in order to respond to the emergency.

HHS will provide states and territories with no less than 60 days’ notice prior to the termination of the PHE declaration for COVID-19.

Also, please note the deadline for submitting comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for health care workers is Friday, April 22. For more information, click here.