Medical Countermeasures Plan (E.O. 13527)

Summary

Sets up a plan for the U.S. Postal Service and other federal groups to quickly give out medicine to people if there is a large biological attack.

What problem does this solve?

If a large-scale biological attack happened, the government needed a way to get medicine to millions of people very quickly to save lives. This order creates a plan to use the U.S. Postal Service for rapid home delivery of medicine, supported by federal agencies.

What does this order do?

U.S. Postal Service to deliver medical supplies

Directs the government to create a plan using the U.S. Postal Service for fast, at-home delivery of medicine after a large-scale biological attack, like anthrax.

Law enforcement escorts for postal workers

Requires a plan for federal and local law enforcement to protect U.S. Postal workers as they deliver medical supplies during an emergency.

Federal rapid response capability

Orders the development of a federal rapid response team to help local areas distribute medical supplies quickly after an attack.

Medicine for essential federal workers

Creates a plan to provide medicine to federal employees with essential jobs to make sure the government can keep working after a biological attack.

Who does this affect?

The American public
U.S. Postal Service employees
Federal emergency response personnel

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures a rapid response to a health crisis

Creates a clear plan to use existing federal resources, like the U.S. Postal Service, to quickly get medicine to the public during a biological attack, aiming to save as many lives as possible.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for federal agencies to create response plans within 90 to 180 days of its signing on December 30, 2009.

Federal rapid response plan

Within 90 days (by March 30, 2010), the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services must develop a plan for a federal rapid response.

U.S. Postal Service delivery model

Within 180 days (by June 28, 2010), a national model for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver medical supplies must be established.

Law enforcement escort plan

Within 180 days (by June 28, 2010), a plan must be developed for law enforcement to escort postal workers during deliveries.

Continuity of operations plan

Within 180 days (by June 28, 2010), a plan must be created to provide medicine to essential federal workers.