In further clarification to pharmacists and pharmacies around the country, on May 19, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an advisory opinion determining that pharmacies in the United States, regardless of state or local requirements, are authorized to order and administer COVID-19 diagnostic tests under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has provided an omnibus advisory opinion in response to various requests for clarification of the scope of tort immunity provided by the declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act). The PREP Act declaration provides immunity from tort liability for various persons, products and activities in response to COVID-19, as explained in our March 17, 2020, Alert. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) subsequently expanded these protections.
To read the full text of this Duane Morris Alert, please visit the firm website.
In order to facilitate social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, state and federal regulatory agencies are moving quickly to permit providers to continue to provide medical care through telemedicine. On March 16, 2020, Alex Azar, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, has declared a public health emergency and, therefore, activated the telemedicine allowance under 21 U.S.C. § 802(54)(D). Per the Secretary, this applies to all schedule II-V controlled substances in all areas of the United States for as long as the public health emergency declaration is in place so long as certain conditions are met.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris attorney Ryan Wesley Brown, please visit the Duane Morris Health Law Blog.
