AHCA Update on Public Health Emergency

The Biden Administration has indicated it will renew the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in January. The Administration had committed to provide 60 days’ advance notice to the public prior to allowing the Public Health Emergency to expire, and the 60-day mark passed last week with no public announcement.

What It Means

Background

HHS initially declared a COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in January 2020.  Each declaration of a Public Health Emergency is good for 90 days. To date, HHS has renewed the Public Health Emergency before any expiration date, such that the nation has remained in a Public Health Emergency since the original declaration.

The Biden Administration most recently renewed the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on October 13, 2022. That declaration will expire on January 12, 2023.

The Biden Administration has pledged to provide the public with 60 days’ notice prior to letting the Public Health Emergency expire.

The Update

Friday (November 11) was the final day for HHS to announce it would allow the COVID Public Health Emergency to expire in January, while still providing stakeholders with 60 days’ notice prior to allowing the Public Health Emergency to expire. As such – it appears the Biden Administration intends to renew the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in January.

NYSHFA/NYSCAL CONTACTS:

Lisa Volk, RN, B.P.S., LNHA
Director, Clinical & Quality Services
518-462-4800 x15

Tarrah Quinlan, RN, BSN
Director of Education Program Development and Member Operations
518-462-4800 x20