Government Shutdown: What it Means for You

As of this writing, it appears likely that the federal government will cease most operations due to lack of funding at 12:01 am ET on Wednesday, October 1. Each federal agency has developed a contingency plan in the event of a shutdown. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plan calls for furlough of all “non-essential” personnel and services. Essential services include safety to human life (medical services, outbreak investigations), protection of property (maintenance of computer data), and other activities required by law (Medicare and Social Security payments, retention of Public Health Service Commissioned officers). What this means for you: although the government will be shut down, activities imposed by the government are still in effect. For example, HAI reporting into NHSN is still required; however, it may be difficult to get customer service, answers to questions, and general information from CDC, or any federal government staff. Read the HHS contingency plan, which includes links to specific agency plans.