Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19)
Long hours, a shortage of personal protective equipment, self-isolating from their own family members to protect them 鈥 these are just a few of the many difficulties America鈥檚 front-line health care workers are facing as they lead the fight against COVID-19.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced that it is immediately distributing to providers $30 billion from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act added $100 billion to this fund to reimburse鈥
AHA statement on initial emergency funding from CARES Act from AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) yesterday released additional new waivers related to COVID-19. The waivers apply nationwide and are retroactive to March 1, 2020. Specifically, the agency provided additional waivers for clinicians that reduce supervision and other requirements鈥
Providers caring for patients with behavioral health disorders face unique challenges in balancing safe public health measures and clinical protocols during the COVID-19 emergency, the AHA said in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
Federal Reserve announces new lending program to enhance support for small- and mid-sized businesses
The Federal Reserve announced the terms of both expanded and new "Main Street" lending facilities that would provide loans to a variety of eligible borrowers.
AHA urged the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider immediately its decision to limit participation in the COVID-19 Telehealth Program to certain nonprofit or public health care providers, noting that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act included 鈥渘o such restriction鈥 on鈥
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a temporary rule to bar the exportation of some personal protective equipment, including some respirators and surgical masks and gloves.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency launched Project Air Bridge on March 29 to speed the delivery of much-needed medical equipment and supplies from overseas manufacturers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated guidance for critical infrastructure workers鈥 return to work following exposure to COVID-19.