Preventing Hoarding of Health and Medical Resources To Respond to the Spread of COVID-19
Headline: Health Secretary Ordered to Prevent Hoarding of Medical Supplies
What it does: The order directs the Secretary of Health to use Defense Production Act authority to prevent hoarding and regulate distribution of COVID-19 medical supplies.
- Limits bulk buying and resale of protective gear and disinfectants at inflated prices.
- Lets health officials label items scarce and restrict excessive accumulation.
- Requires collection of information on how supplies are distributed nationwide.
Summary
This order gives the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority under the Defense Production Act to prevent hoarding of health and medical resources needed to respond to COVID-19. It names examples like personal protective equipment and sanitizing and disinfecting products.
The Secretary can designate items as scarce, set limits on accumulation, gather information about supply distribution, issue rules, and must consult the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The goal is to keep healthcare systems supplied and curb buying or reselling that would limit access.
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