What Happens When the Federal Public Health Emergency End Date Expires?

The Impending Effects of Federal Public Health Emergency Expiration

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in the US healthcare system and has led to the declaration of a federal public health emergency since January 2020. Hence, many critical healthcare resources became available for healthcare providers, including expanded telehealth services, relaxed licensure requirements, and supplemental funding for healthcare providers. However, this public health emergency declaration is set to expire soon, which could lead to significant changes in the healthcare field.

Impacts on Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers will be most affected by the expiration of the federal public health emergency. The relaxed regulatory requirements for telehealth services allowed healthcare providers to expand their service capacity dramatically. Telehealth has become an essential resource for healthcare providers to offer remote care to their patients in response to the pandemic. Its continuation could ensure greater access and availability of critical healthcare services, especially for patients in rural areas who might not have transportation to visit health facilities.

The expiration of the declaration will prompt a switchback to pre-pandemic protocols for telecommunications, forcing many healthcare providers to comply with the previous regulations. There might be a surge in demand for in-person care, leading to potential staff shortages, and longer wait times as healthcare providers will adapt to the transition.

Impacts on Patients

Patients have enjoyed the expanded access to healthcare services under the public health emergency, such as telehealth services. The declaration enabled patients to access medical treatment in different ways, such as virtual appointments, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. It also allowed patients who otherwise might not have had access to healthcare, such as individuals living in remote areas, marginalized communities, or those that cannot afford transportation to a healthcare facility, receive medical attention.

After the expiration of the public health emergency, patients will rely on traditional in-person care. It may pose significant obstacles for patients who rely on telehealth services for access to healthcare and follow-up appointments. The end of emergency declaration could result in limited access, and some patients might avoid seeking medical attention due to fear of exposure to the virus.

Impacts on Funding

The declaration has enabled numerous funding opportunities for healthcare providers to contribute to the pandemic response. For instance, the Public Health and Social Services emergency fund provides additional resources to healthcare entities to manage the increased patients’ demand during the pandemic. It has enabled healthcare providers to expand their workforce, purchase necessary equipment, and improve medical supplies necessary for a better response to the pandemic. Once the federal public health emergency expires, these funds may no longer be available, and healthcare providers will have to adjust to their pre-pandemic capacities.

Conclusion

We are living in unprecedented times. The pandemic has significantly disrupted the healthcare system and forced stakeholders to reevaluate their protocols and adjust to the unexpected. It is vital that healthcare providers, patients, and stakeholders understand the impending effects of the expiration of the federal public health emergency. It is important to recognize the benefits that the public health emergency has provided and understand how stakeholders may need to adjust to the impending changes. While the end of the pandemic is yet to be realized, healthcare stakeholders must adapt to changes and improvise to ensure that patients continue to receive quality care.

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