End of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency
On March 29, the Senate passed HJ Res 7, which would terminate the President’s National Emergencies Act (NEA) declaration regarding the COVID-19 national emergency. The language in HJ Res 7 is very specific, referencing President Trump’s original proclamation under the NEA. Ending the NEA declaration will affect some flexibilities in federal programs employed during the emergency. However, the NEA declaration is separate from the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), which still is set to expire on May 11. Therefore, it is important to note that terminating the NEA declaration alone does not impact the Secretary of HHS’ COVID-19 PHE declaration or the Stafford Act declaration, or the flexibilities/waivers implemented for providers pursuant to those declarations.
Impact on General Dentistry: It is important to note that HJ Res 7 will not impact HHS waivers and flexibilities issued to providers under the PHE declaration. An additional important note is that state Medicaid 1135 waivers will also not be terminated as long as the Stafford Act declaration and the Secretary’s PHE declaration are in place. The AGD will continue to closely monitor how the end of the COVID-19 PHE may affect general dentists and their practices.
Impact on General Dentistry: It is important to note that HJ Res 7 will not impact HHS waivers and flexibilities issued to providers under the PHE declaration. An additional important note is that state Medicaid 1135 waivers will also not be terminated as long as the Stafford Act declaration and the Secretary’s PHE declaration are in place. The AGD will continue to closely monitor how the end of the COVID-19 PHE may affect general dentists and their practices.