Establishing Federal Capability for the Timely Provision of Medical Countermeasures Following a Biological Attack

2010-01-06Executive Order 13527
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Establishes Postal Delivery of Medical Countermeasures After Biological Attacks

What it does: Agencies must create a nationwide postal delivery model for medical countermeasures, build a Federal rapid response system, and plan to protect essential federal functions after a biological attack.

Real World Impact:
  • Enables rapid home delivery of medicines to residents nationwide.
  • Requires escorts for postal workers delivering medicines during a response.
  • Creates federal teams to support local distribution of medical countermeasures.
Topics: biological attack response, public health emergency, postal delivery of medicines, government continuity

Summary

This order requires the federal government to ensure quick delivery of medicines and other medical supplies to the American public after a biological attack. It directs development of a nationwide U.S. Postal Service delivery model, a Federal rapid response capability to dispense countermeasures, and plans to protect mission-essential federal workers.

The plan affects residents who would receive medicines at home, postal workers and the law enforcement who would escort them, state and local health and emergency officials, and federal agencies. Its goal is to reduce sickness and death, keep critical services running, and support local distribution efforts.

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