FEMA extends funding for eligible COVID-19 costs

This week, President Biden extended 100% reimbursement of eligible costs to safely reopen and operate private nonprofit medical facilities through the end of the year. The funds are part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program, which said it will release “an updated policy in the coming days supporting the President’s direction.” In an Aug. 18 advisory on medical staffing requests, FEMA said all public and private organizations should continue to work through their established processes for emergencies and disasters to request additional medical staff as COVID-19 cases rise. For a request to be filled, the agency said requesters must first consider and address certain actions, including ceasing all elective procedures, expanding the use of telemedicine and activating the Medical Reserve Corps. (AHA News article, 8/18/21)