CMS Seeks Public Input on Strengthening Domestic Supply Chain for PPE, Essential Medicines

CMS Seeks Public Input on Strengthening Domestic Supply Chain for PPE, Essential Medicines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public feedback on potential approaches to strengthen the American-made supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medicines. Building on lessons learned during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the agency is exploring ways to reduce reliance on foreign-made medical supplies and enhance the nation's readiness for future emergencies while supporting American workers and manufacturers.

The ANPRM seeks comments on new avenues the agency may consider to promote domestic purchasing by hospitals that participate in the Medicare program, including the potential creation of a new "Secure American Medical Supplies" designation for hospitals committed to American-made purchasing, and streamlined payment approaches to help offset the resource costs of domestic procurement.

"The COVID-19 public health emergency exposed the dangers of depending on foreign countries for critical PPE and essential medicines, highlighting the need for domestic emergency preparedness," said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. "Under the Trump Administration, we are committed to rebuilding American resilience by empowering providers and suppliers that invest in U.S.-made medical products. This ANPRM is an important step toward securing the nation's health and safety, preparing for future emergencies, and promoting American jobs and manufacturing."

"We want to hear from hospitals, manufacturers, suppliers, and the public on practical ways Medicare can support a stronger, more reliable domestic supply chain," said CMS Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicare Chris Klomp."Whether through targeted designations, payment structures, or other approaches, our goal is to develop options that improve preparedness while giving providers workable, flexible policies that strengthen patient care."

CMS is seeking broad input on future supply chain policies to advance national security, strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity, improve care quality, and support a more resilient health care system.

Information on how to submit comments is available via the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current . There is a 60-day comment period.

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