Legal Authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response summarizes legal authorities of the Secretary to respond to public health emergencies under the Public Health Service Act, as amended by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization (PAHPRA) Act and provides links to related legal authorities and frequently asked questions.