Revised List of Quarantinable Communicable Diseases

In simple terms

This executive order amends the list of quarantinable communicable diseases to include severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS-like diseases) that pose pandemic potential or high mortality/morbidity risk, explicitly excluding influenza. The update expands federal quarantine authority under Section 264(b) of Title 42 to cover emerging respiratory threats beyond the original 2003 list.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 45671

Record & deadlines

Jul 31, 2014Signed
Signed by the President
Aug 6, 2014FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 79 FR 45671
Federal Register PDF

Key directives

Amend Executive Order 13295 Section 1(b) to replace existing text with new definition of severe acute respiratory syndromes
Explicit exclusion of influenza from new quarantine authority
Based on recommendation of Secretary of HHS in consultation with Acting Surgeon General

Who is ordered

Prior policy

amendExecutive Order 13295 Section 1(b)

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

EO takes effect upon signing; SARS-like diseases now legally quarantinable

Near term (90d)

CDC to update internal quarantine protocols and training
revisions to quarantine station screening procedures at ports of entry

Long term

Established precedent for rapid expansion of quarantine list via executive authority
potential future amendments as new respiratory pathogens emerge

Risks & tensions

Definition is broad and discretionary ('potential to cause a pandemic,' 'highly likely to cause mortality') — scope uncertainty
Exclusion of influenza may create boundary disputes for novel flu strains with SARS-like characteristics
Quiet expansion of federal quarantine power with limited public notice or debate
No procedural safeguards or review mechanisms specified in text