HHS Extends COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Into April 2021

The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) extended the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency on January 7, 2021. With this fourth renewal, the public health emergency will cover another 90 days, lasting into April 2021. Continuing the public health emergency has crucial implications for health care professionals related to telehealth, Medicare and Medicaid blanket waivers, and interim final rule policies.

The extension reads: "As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Alex M. Azar II . . .