Virus Revives Idea of Boosting FDA Power to Prevent Device Shortages

One sign of possible shortages is that delivery time of products such as surgical and n95 face masks is starting inch up. Most hospitals are accustomed to receiving orders within one to two days, but those orders are being extended out to four to five days, according to Chaun Powell, a vice president with Premier Inc., a nationwide purchaser of supplies for hospitals.

“I do believe we’re seeing maybe not a shortage but an impact on the supply chain to the point that it is leading to some concern among health care providers,” Powell said. Without a legislative requirement to disclose possible shortages, "we will be relegated to being reactive in times of shortage or disruption,” he said.

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