In recent weeks, several states passed legislation related to the COVID-19 public health crisis, including bills establishing vaccination authority, patient rights, and data reporting requirements. Utah on April 10 will lift its statewide mask mandate.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is supporting vaccination sites in 19 states and U.S. territories. States vary in their approaches to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to children; some are prioritizing subpopulations of children while others are involving child health stakeholders in planning.

Governors from six states — Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia — announced a bipartisan interstate compact to expand COVID-19 testing, stop the spread of the virus, and help state economies safely recover.

Several states have created task forces to examine racial disparities related to COVID-19. A new tracker shows which states have stay-at-home orders or plans to resume elective procedures. States have authority to allocate CARES Act funding how they see fit, and several states have begun to do so.

As the public health emergency continues, states make unexpected budgetary decisions that could significantly affect health care. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo released an executive order stating hospitals are not allowed to discharge patients to nursing homes unless they test negative for COVID-19.

Many states are beginning to lift restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including resuming elective surgeries in hospitals. Meanwhile, the National Association of Medicaid Directors urges the administration work with Medicaid directors to distribute needed funds to providers.

In addition to efforts targeting surprise medical bills, governors are asking the administration to allow Medicaid retainer payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the administration has approved Section 1135 waivers for 47 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Federal guidance details how states can request ventilators; states regulate distribution of chloroquine and hydoxychloroquine and take steps to ensure housing stability.