Prioritizing and Allocating Health and Medical Resources to Respond to the Spread of COVID-19

Mar 23, 2020

Summary

Gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the power to control and send out needed medical supplies, like masks and ventilators, to fight COVID-19.

What problem does this solve?

The spread of COVID-19 threatened to overwhelm the nation's healthcare system, creating a shortage of critical medical supplies. This order uses the Defense Production Act to give the government control over these supplies, ensuring they are sent where they are most needed.

What does this order do?

Delegates Defense Production Act authority to HHS

Gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services the President's power under the Defense Production Act to require companies to prioritize and accept government contracts for medical supplies.

Allows control over the civilian market

Permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to control the nationwide distribution of health and medical resources, including in the civilian market, to respond to the pandemic.

Identifies critical health resources

States that personal protective equipment and ventilators are essential for the national defense and allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify other necessary resources.

Who does this affect?

Healthcare providers
Medical supply manufacturers
Patients with COVID-19

What is the real world impact?

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Centralizes control of medical supplies

Ensures critical health resources like ventilators and masks are distributed fairly across the country during the pandemic, preventing shortages in the hardest-hit areas.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately as of March 18, 2020.