Congressional Service Report study looks at challenges with PPE supply, demand

The demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) has continued to increase while supply has been limited by rapid consumption and supply chain disruptions, according to a new study by the Congressional Research Service.

The Congressional Research Service report – called COVID-19 and Domestic PPE Production and Distribution: Issues and Policy Options — examines domestic PPE production and distribution. Specifically, it looks at the availability of PPE supplies and demand as well as federal actions and activities undertaken to increase PPE supplies. It also probes other policy options under consideration concerning PPE production and distribution.

PPE refers to the clothing, materials, and equipment that healthcare workers and others wear to minimize exposure to various hazards, including infectious pathogens. According to the Government Accountability Office, the Food and Drug Administration, and other independent organizations, PPE continues to be in short supply. This has led to broad congressional and public interest in PPE production and distribution issues.

The report found that data limitations and conflicting accounts impede the complete assessment of PPE supply chains. This, in turn, may undermine federal (as well as nonfederal) efforts to respond effectively to the pandemic. With available data, the report found that current PPE production and distribution channels appear to continue to be insufficient compared to the reported need.

Further, various mechanisms that may be utilized to increase PPE supply or productive capacity, such as the provisions in the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), appear to be applied selectively and implemented unevenly. The report surmises that the response is based on narrow experience and limited administrative infrastructure within the federal government to oversee and manage its use in a national emergency context.

The full report can be found at https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46628.