After some speculation about the end on April 16th to the public health emergency enacted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Health and Human Services just extended the PHE for another 90 days. However, experts have been predicting the end is near. For example, certain flexibilities in place for acute and long-term care are starting to sunset and Federal funds are no longer available for vaccine administration, testing and treatment under the COVID-19 Uninsured Program.
The DHHS has stated it will give a 60-day notice before ending the PHE, so if the PHE will end after this most recent extension, we should expect word no later than May 16th. In the meantime, healthcare providers should implement plans to return to pre-pandemic policies.
However, telehealth will continue for at least 180 days past the PHE based on a separate government exemption.