Us Code § 321r - Transfer of equipment during a public health emergency

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 321r — Transfer of equipment during a public health emergency, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 321r. Transfer of equipment during a public health emergency

(a) Authorization of transfer of equipment

During a public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 247d(a) of title 42, the Secretary, at the request of the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services, on a reimbursable basis, excess personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment in the possession of the Department.

(b) Determination by Secretaries

(1) In general

In carrying out this section—

(A) before requesting a transfer under subsection (a), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall determine whether the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment is otherwise available; and

(B) before initiating a transfer under subsection (a), the Secretary, in consultation with the heads of each component within the Department, shall—

(i) determine whether the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment requested to be transferred under subsection (a) is excess equipment; and

(ii) certify that the transfer of the personal protective equipment or medically necessary equipment will not adversely impact the health or safety of officers, employees, or contractors of the Department.

(2) Notification

The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary shall each submit to Congress a notification explaining the determination made under subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of paragraph (1).

(3) Required inventory

(A) In general

The Secretary shall—

(i) acting through the Chief Medical Officer of the Department, maintain an inventory of all personal protective equipment and medically necessary equipment in the possession of the Department; and

(ii) make the inventory required under clause (i) available, on a continual basis, to—

(I) the Secretary of Health and Human Services; and

(II) the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives.

(B) Form

Each inventory required to be made available under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

(Pub. L. 107–296, title V, §529, as added Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title IX, §70953(f)(2)(A), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1315.)

About This Section

6 U.S.C. § 321r is part of Title 6 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 6 U.S.C. § 321r. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 321r

What does United States Code § 321r cover?

Section 321r ("Transfer of equipment during a public health emergency") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 321r?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 321r" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 321r apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.