Barrier Face Coverings Standard Approved by ASTM International

On February 15, 2021, ASTM International, a voluntary standards-setting organization, approved a new national standard for barrier face coverings that establishes minimum design, performance, labeling and care requirements for disposable and reusable face masks. Manufacturers should take full advantage of this new guidance as it implements a universal standard for the evaluation of barrier face coverings utilized by a majority of Americans every day.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

New Jersey Announces Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program

On August 11, Governor Murphy announced the first phase of the New Jersey Small and Micro Business PPE Access Program . The goal of the PPE Program is to provide small businesses and nonprofits with access to the fairly priced personal protective equipment necessary to facilitate safe working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Brad Molotsky, please visit the Duane Morris Project Development/Infrastructure/P3 Blog.

New Exemptions to FEMA Rule Make It Easier to Export Covered PPE in Certain Situations

On April 21, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a notice that establishes a number of exemptions to the rule issued earlier in the month that generally prohibited the exportation of various kinds of essential medical products without FEMA’s approval. These new exemptions make it easier to export the covered medical products under certain circumstances, although several of the exemptions require that a special letter of attestation be submitted to FEMA before the goods can be exported from the United States.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

FDA Takes Steps to Enhance Availability of Safe and Effective Face Masks

Over the past week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a number of steps to enable manufacturers and distributors of face masks to more efficiently make their products available to the marketplace. FDA has accomplished this by establishing criteria that would allow manufacturers to bypass normally required (and often time-consuming) regulatory review.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

3D Printing of PPE and Other Medical Devices

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) has significantly outpaced the capabilities of the traditional supply chain. Gowns, gloves, facemasks, and face shields are valued commodities that even many healthcare providers cannot secure in this environment. While traditional supply and manufacturing chains struggle to keep up with production, industry leaders have turned to 3D printing, or additive manufacturing technology, to address this dire need. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, companies with already established additive manufacturing technologies can more readily and efficiently adapt their productions to manufacture such PPE. 3D printing manufacturers may already have the powder or fabric necessary to manufacture PPE. They also have versatile printers. These companies simply need software and product design specifications, which allows them to begin production much more quickly than companies relying on traditional manufacturing methods that require additional raw materials and even machines and equipment.

For example, Superfeet, a shoe insert manufacturer, which typically uses 3D printing for manufacturing its products, was contacted about its ability to assist with a shortage of powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) hoods to hospitals in Washington state. The company had printers and fabric already. In just a few short days, Superfeet was making PPE.

To read the full text of the article by Duane Morris , visit the MD+DI website.

New Jersey and New York Governors Mandate Masks and Other Measures to Protect Workers and Citizens

Governors Cuomo and Murphy announced additional measures intended to protect workers and citizens in New York and New Jersey.

On April 12, 2020, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.16, which will require employees of essential businesses who are present in the workplace to wear face coverings when in direct contact with customers or members of the public. This order goes into effect April 15, 2020, at 8:00 p.m.

On April 8, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 122, which created new restrictions and requirements applicable to certain employers across the state, specifically those involved in warehousing, manufacturing, essential retail businesses and construction. In addition to closing all nonessential construction, the order mandates various new requirements employers must implement such as policies for employees to wear cloth face coverings and gloves. Executive Order 122 went into effect on April 10 at 8:00 p.m.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

FEMA Approval Required for Export of Certain Personal Protective Equipment

As of April 10, 2020, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval will generally be required for the export of certain kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) from the United States, pursuant to a FEMA temporary final rule.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, which discusses the parameters and procedures established by the temporary final rule and their implications for U.S. and foreign entities, please visit the firm website.

Pennsylvania Governor Authorizes Emergency Management Officials to Seize Medical Supplies for COVID-19 Fight

On April 8, 2020, because of “a critical shortage of PPE, pharmaceuticals, and other medical resources,” Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed an Executive Order to “Ensure the Efficient Allocation and Effective Use of Critical Medical Resources.” The order authorizes Pennsylvania emergency management officials “to commandeer and utilize all PPE, pharmaceuticals, and other medical resources required to respond to, provide care for those afflicted by, or otherwise prevent the spread of COVID-19 from all private, public, and quasi-public health care providers and facilities, as well as manufacturers and suppliers of PPE, pharmaceuticals, and other medical resources located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” The order is effective immediately.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

New Jersey Governor Authorizes State Police to Commandeer Supplies, Property and Services from Private Entities

On April 2, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 113, which authorizes the Superintendent of State Police acting as State Director of Emergency Management to “take or use personal services and/or real or personal property, including medical resources, for the purpose of protecting or promoting the public health, safety, or welfare.” Due to the “critical shortage of medical resources in the State,” it is anticipated this order will be used primarily to commandeer personal property such as medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) from businesses and institutions.

To read the full text of this Alert, please visit the firm website.

CARES ACT Creates New Opportunities for Companies That Can Supply PPE and Other Essential Medical Products

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law. The CARES Act will provide federal agencies with nearly $100 billion to address the supply chain breakdowns in medical products needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid influx of funding creates new opportunities for companies that can manufacture or supply essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and other key medical products.

To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.

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The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and are not to be construed as legal advice.

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