Under federal billing rules, healthcare facilities cannot charge patients for any federally supplied medical assets or pharmaceuticals, but they may charge patients a fee for administering medical countermeasures. Emergency personal protective equipment, medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals from the SNS are free of charge to those who need them (e.g., patients, healthcare providers).

Healthcare facilities must ensure that federally issued supplies and pharmaceuticals are used according to federal guidance. A facility may charge a patient for administration, however, if that medication came from the federal government (e.g., pharmaceuticals from the SNS) the facility cannot charge the patient for the actual medication. Healthcare facilities may keep all federally supplied assets in a separate storage area and clearly note the source to ensure that they are not misallocated.

Sincerely,

Original signed by Heidi W. Steinecker

Heidi W. Steinecker
Deputy Director