CDC, Concentration Camps are ready. Posted by David L OConnor on September 27, 2009 at 1:08pm View Blog Public Health Law Program PHLP Menu Home About the Program PHL National Meetings 2007 Summit 2002-2006 Public Health Law Materials Partners and Organizations Products and Services A-Z Topic List Contact Us Click here for more information about this April 28, 2009 briefing. CDC’s Public Health Law Program developed this, foundational course on public health law as a learning resource for public health practitioners, students, and others. Click on this banner for more information and archives 2009 H1N1 Flu Legal Preparedness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The outbreak of A/H1N1 “swine flu” in the United States and countries around the world has triggered public health emergency legal responses in many jurisdictions. Please visit this page regularly for current information about legal actions and other relevant legal information as it becomes available. On This Page -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Legal Actions & Guidance State/Territorial Laws, Legal Actions and Draft Orders Isolation/Quarantine Procedures & Draft Orders Mass Vaccination - Legal Authority to Vaccinate School Closure Insurance Coverage Draft Antiviral Shortage Order Secondary Sources Presentations Pandemic Influenza Legal Preparedness Tools Federal Legal Actions & Guidance U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Determination that a Public Health Emergency Exists (April 26, 2009). Acting Secretary Charles E. Johnson announced the determination that a public health emergency exists as a consequence of confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza in four U.S. states. Johnson acted pursuant to his authority under the Public Health Service Act § 319 (42 U.S.C. § 247d). (posted 4/29/09) U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of Influenza Medicines, Diagnostic Test in Response to Swine Flu Outbreak in Humans, (April 27, 2009). FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations, pursuant to its authority under the Project BioShield Act (42 U.S.C. § 247d-6b), to make available to public health and medical personnel important diagnostic and therapeutic tools to identify and respond to the H1N1 Influenza virus. EUAs have been issued for oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zananivir (Relenza), the N95 respirator, and the swine flu test kit. More information is available at cdc.gov/h1n1flu/eua/fda_issuance_letters.htm. (posted 4/30/09) CDC, Swine Flu: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Medical Products and Devices FEMA, Emergency Assistance for Human Influenza Pandemic State/Territorial Laws, Legal Actions, and Draft Orders Declarations of Emergency or Related Actions American Samoa Office of the Governor, American Samoa, Proclamation: Public Health Emergency, (May 1, 2009). Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono has declared a public health emergency in American Samoa in response to concerns that cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in countries with direct travel routes to the region. (posted 5/07/09) California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of Emergency – Swine Flu, (April 28, 2009). Pursuant to his powers under the California Constitution and California Emergency Services Act (Cal. Government Code §§ 8448(b), 8625), the Governor has issued a proclamation in response to identified H1N1 Influenza cases in California. (posted 4/29/09) Florida Department of Health, Declaration of Public Health Emergency Supplemental Order #01, (May 5, 2009). The Florida Surgeon General has suspended Chapters 120 and 287, Florida Statutes, to the extent needed to procure any and all supplies of the antivirals Tamiflu and Relenza needed to cope with this emergency. (posted 5/05/09) Department of Health, Declaration of Public Health Emergency Supplemental Order #02, (May 5, 2009). The Florida Surgeon General has suspended wholesale distribution permit requirements under Chapter 499 Part 1, Florida Statutes, to allow the wholesale distribution of Tamiflu and Relenza. (posted 5/05/09) Department of Health, Declaration of Public Health Emergency, (May 1, 2009). The State Surgeon General has declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in two counties. (posted 5/4/09) Maine Governor John E. Baldacci, Proclamation of a Civil Emergency Due to a Highly Infectious Agent, (April 29, 2009). Pursuant to his authority under 37-B M.R.S.A. §§ 741, 742, 824, the Governor has issued a proclamation of civil emergency in response to identified cases of H1N1 influenza in Maine. (posted 5/1/09) Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Declaration of Emergency: Influenza Response and Mitigation, Exec. Order No. 01.01.2009.05, (May 1, 2009). The Governor has declared an emergency as a result of the possibility of a pandemic in the state and surrounding jurisdictions, pursuant to his authority under MD. Code Ann. Pub. Safety § 14-3A-02. Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, Proclamation, (April 30, 2009). The Governor of Nebraska declared a state of emergency after one confirmed case in the state. (posted 5/4/09) New York Governor David A. Paterson, Governor Paterson Activates Health Emergency Preparedness Plan; Puts State on ‘High Alert’ for Swine Flu, (April 26, 2009). After eight confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza in New York City, Governor Paterson activated the state’s emergency preparedness plan. (posted 4/29/09) Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Proclamation of Emergency: Authorizing State Agencies and Personnel to Assist with the Receipt, Transportation and Storage of Medicine and Supplies Associated with the Swine Flu Virus, (April 28, 2009). Following the identification of a patient with H1N1 influenza in Ohio, Gov. Strickland declared a state of emergency and authorized the Ohio National Guard to assist with SNS supplies. (posted 5/05/09) Texas Governor Rick Perry, Governor Perry Issues Disaster Proclamation for Swine Influenza, (April 29, 2009). In response to confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza in certain Texas jurisdictions, the Governor has announced that a public health emergency exists and has declared a state of disaster. (posted 04/29/09) Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine, Governor Kaine Announces Precautions to Prepare Virginia to Respond to H1N1 Virus Outbreak, (April 27, 2009). Prior to the confirmation of H1N1 cases in the state, Virginia Health Commissioner Karen Remley declared a public health emergency. (posted May 4, 2009) Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Executive Order #280, Relating to a Proclamation Declaring a Public Health Emergency, (April 30, 2009). Pursuant to his authority under Wis. Stat. §§ 166.03(1)(b) and 321.39(1)(a), the Governor has issued a proclamation of civil emergency in response in Wisconsin. (posted 5/01/09) Isolation/Quarantine Procedures & Draft Orders Florida The Florida Department of Health has released the following draft orders suitable for use during the current outbreak: Voluntary Home Quarantine Agreement Quarantine to Residence Order Quarantine to Residence Order (Non-Compliance) Quarantine to Facility Order Quarantine Detention Order Quarantine of Facility Order Building Quarantine Closure Order Area Quarantine Closure Order Massachusetts Procedures for Isolation and Quarantine,105 Mass. Code Regs. 300.210 (2008). North Carolina The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has released the following draft isolation order: Isolation Order: Swine Influenza A(H1N1) Infection Washington Procedures for Isolation and Quarantine, Wash. Admin. Code § 246-100-040. Washington Department of Health (DOH), templates for isolation and quarantine orders. Mass Vaccination - Legal Authority to Vaccinate To assist in mass administration of H1N1 vaccine, states are evaluating their laws to determine individuals who are authorized to administer H1N1 vaccines. If necessary, states are amending legal provisions to extend legal authority to administer HlNl vaccine to persons who would not otherwise be permitted to administer vaccine. Three states provide examples: Massachusetts emergency regulation passed recently by the Public Health Council (to be effective upon filing with the Secretary of State) authorizing the Commissioner of Public Health to issue an order designating the persons who may administer H1N1 vaccine and the conditions under which the vaccine may be administered. To access the regulation, 105 CMR 700.003(H), please click here. Michigan statute authorizing physicians to delegate administration of vaccine to appropriately trained individuals. To access the statute, MCL 333.16215, please click here. Recently-amended Minnesota statute extending the authority of the Commissioner of Health to respond to requests of local officials by expanding the categories of persons authorized to administer vaccine. To access Minnesota Statutes section 144.4197 (2008) as amended by Minnesota Laws 2009, chapter 41, section 5, please click here. School Closure Texas Department of State Health Services, All Schools in Schertz District to Close, (April 26, 2009). The Department announced that all 14 schools and two district facilities in this school district were to be closed immediately after the discovery of suspected H1N1 Influenza in that jurisdiction. (posted 4/29/09) Insurance Coverage Maine Insurance Commissioner, Health Insurance Emergency Planning & Procedures (Emergency Rule), (June 16, 2009). The State Bureau of Insurance issued an emergency preparedness rule To ensure that all health insurance companies... are adequately prepared to deal with public health emergencies. Draft Antiviral Shortage Order Iowa The following draft order was provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health: Antiviral Shortage Order International Legal Actions World Health Organization (WHO), Statement by WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, (April 25, 2009). The Director-General has determined that the outbreak of H1N1 Influenza constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, pursuant to the International Health Regulations. (posted 4/29/09) Australia Department of Health and Ageing, Australia Strengthens Border Surveillance for Swine Flu, (April 27, 2009). The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, has authorized the strengthening of border surveillance at airports, including requiring the captains of all planes arriving from the Americas to report to the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service. (posted 4/29/09) Canada Public Health Agency of Canada, Government of Canada Provides Update on Prevention Measures Being Taken Regarding Human Swine Influenza, (April 28, 2009). This News Release details actions taken by the Canadian government, including activating the Government’s emergency Operations Centre. (posted 4/29/09) Costa Rica Presidente de la República Óscar Arias, Decretan Emergencia Sanitaria Nacional por Epidemia Humana de Fiebre Porcina, (April 28, 2009) (in Spanish). The President of the Republic of Costa Rica has declared a public health emergency. (posted 5/01/09) Mexico Presidente Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa, Decreto por el que se Ordenan Diversas Acciones en Materia de Salubridad General, para Prevenir, Controlar y Combatir la Existencia y Transmisión del Virus de Influenza Estacional Epidémica, (April 25, 2009) (in Spanish).. The President of Mexico has instructed the Ministry of Health to take action to control and combat H1N1 Influenza, including isolation of those identified as carrying the virus, and inspection of passengers. (posted 4/29/09) Secretario de Salud, José Ángel Córdova Villalobos, Suspensión de Clases en el Distrito Federal y el Estado de México por Influenza, (April 24, 2009)) (in Spanish). The Mexican Minister of Health has authorized the closure of schools in these jurisdictions. (posted 4/29/09) Secondary Sources David Fidler, The Swine Flu Outbreak and International Law, 13 ASIL Insights (April 27, 2009). Presentations U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing entitled “Swine Flu: Coordinating the Federal Response,” at 10:00 a.m. ET, on April 29, 2009, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. A video archive of the hearing, featuring DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and CDC Interim Deputy Director for Science and Public Health Program, Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, is available at hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hearings.Detail&HearingID=2a681099-9864-4f0d-b533-7dd2489f65ec. Disclaimer: Please note that this information is not legal advice. Any questions regarding the application of specific laws should be directed to your official legal counsel. Pandemic Influenza Legal Preparedness Tools The CDC Public Health Law Program recommends state, local, tribal, and territories consider implementing these tools to assess their legal preparedness for H1N1 and other influenza outbreaks. Strengthening the Coordination of Public Health and Law Enforcement during an Influenza Pandemic a case study developed for Forensic Epidemiology (3.0) Guide for Developing an MOU for Public Health, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and the Judiciary Community Pan-Flu Preparedness: A Checklist of Key Legal Issues for Healthcare Providers Social Distancing Law Assessment Template
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