HCA runs more than 160 hospitals in 20 states and England. Its hospitals have yet to treat an Ebola patient, but its staff would be required to wear that protective clothing, plus a double layer of gloves and the respirator when dealing with any Ebola patients.

In an informal survey, Associated Press reporters spoke to 102 hospitals of varying sizes across the country, and all but two said they have protective gear in stock. The vast majority of the 102 hospitals said their protective gear provides full-body coverage, including either a one-piece suit or pieces that include a hood, goggles, face mask, leg and foot covers. Only 10 hospitals said their equipment left some skin exposed, and seven of those hospitals said they had either already placed orders for better gear or intended to do so.

Fletcher Allen Health Care in Vermont and the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville both said their equipment left part of the neck exposed but that they have already placed orders for hoods or full-coverage equipment. MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital in Washington also said it was working to procure gear that covers the neck, but that hoods and full-body suits are in short supply these days.