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MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19

This memorandum directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate a government-wide response to long COVID, requiring a public report and a National Research Action Plan within 120 days. It mandates interagency collaboration to address health services, research, and disparities for those affected by long-term COVID-19 effects, including mental health and substance use impacts.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 20995

Impact dates

  1. Public report on services and support mechanisms for long COVID, bereavement, and mental health/substance use

  2. National Research Action Plan on long COVID

Key directives

  • Secretary of HHS shall coordinate government-wide response to long-term effects of COVID-19
  • Secretary shall report to COVID-19 Response Coordinator and Assistant to President for Domestic Policy
  • Agency heads shall assist and provide information to Secretary
  • Secretary shall publish public report within 120 days outlining services and support mechanisms
  • Secretary shall develop National Research Action Plan within 120 days in collaboration with DOD, DOL, DOE, and VA
  • Secretary shall seek information from nongovernmental experts and affected individuals
  • Secretary may use waiver authority under 42 U.S.C. 247d(f) to gather information

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Secretary of HHS designated as coordinator for government-wide response
  • Agency heads directed to assist and provide information

Near term (90d)

  • Public report on services and support mechanisms due within 120 days
  • National Research Action Plan due within 120 days

Long term

  • Implementation of research agenda on long COVID
  • Potential new treatments and care models
  • Improved data-sharing between agencies and researchers

Risks & tensions

  • Implementation subject to availability of appropriations (Sec. 5(b))
  • No enforceable rights created for affected individuals (Sec. 5(c))
  • Report must address disparities but lacks specific metrics for accountability
  • Interagency coordination complexity may delay action
  • RECOVER Initiative referenced as foundation but no new funding specified
Presidential Memorandum: Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 · Executive Orders