Coronavirus Update: March 27, 2020: The following is the latest information from Congress, federal regulators, and others as of 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27.
Congress
The House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by the Senate late Wednesday. It now goes to the president for his signature and he has indicated he will sign it.
The Administration
President Trump
President Trump sent a letter to governors thanking them for their efforts in fighting the COVID-19 emergency, outlining upcoming federal efforts, and expressing hope for the future.
Department of Health and Human Services
- The Department of Health and Human Services has provided guidance to states asking them to take immediate action to waive restrictions on licensure, scope of practice, certification, and recertification/relicensure consistent with changes announced in federal programs. See that guidance here.
- Secretary Azar sent a letter to governors requesting immediate action on a number of measures to help “extend the capacity of the health care workforce to address the pandemic.”
- The department’s Office of Family Assistance Services has posted an FAQ about TANF (the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program and COVID-19.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS has issued guidance for CLIA laboratories regarding the review of pathology slides, proficiency testing, alternate collection devices, and requirements for a CLIA certificate during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
CMS has released a notice announcing that it is delaying the release of its minimum data set (MDS – 3.0 v1.18.1) for nursing home and swing bed providers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- An updated CDC FAQ on COVID-19.
- CDC offers strategies for optimizing supplies of personal protective equipment.
- The CDC has published guidance on self-quarantine for New York City transportation and delivery service workers.
Food and Drug Administration
- The FDA established a process for companies that have interrupted or discontinued the manufacture of components of the medical product supply chain that could lead to disruptions or shortages of drug and biological products.
- The FDA has published an FAQ for consumers on the use of hand sanitizer when fighting COVID-19.
- The FDA has pulled together several of its COVID-19 FAQs in one space. Included are FAQs for:
- Laboratories and manufacturers offering testing for COVID-19.
- General FAQs
- “What if I do not have…” (technical/clinical, mostly involving medical materials)
- Clinical laboratories
- Test kit manufacturers
