Improving and Expanding Access to Care and Treatments for COVID-19

2021-01-26Executive Order 13997
Signed by: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Share:

Headline: Federal Government Orders Expanded COVID-19 Treatments and Healthcare Support

What it does: Federal agencies must expand treatment development, boost healthcare system capacity, and improve access to affordable COVID-19 care.

Real World Impact:
  • Provides targeted surge support to nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
  • Requires federal planning and investment to develop scalable COVID-19 treatments.
  • Directs reviews to expand treatment access for uninsured and underinsured patients.
Topics: COVID-19 treatments, healthcare capacity, long-term care, access to care, clinical research

Summary

This order directs the federal government to speed development of COVID-19 treatments, strengthen hospitals and long-term care, and improve access to quality, affordable care. It tasks the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal departments with plans for large clinical studies, support for rural and underserved areas, and steps to include diverse patients in trials.

The order also requires surge assistance for nursing homes and hospitals, reviews of federal care facilities, and evaluations to expand treatment access for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Ask about this order

Ask questions about this executive order and its implications.

What agencies are affected by this order?

How does this order change existing policy?

What are the practical implications of this order?

Related Executive Orders