|
Today, the Department of
Health & Human Services (HHS) has issued
new guidance to health care providers on civil rights
protections for people with disabilities. The
guidance, issued by HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, makes
clear that in light of the continuing public health
emergency, when resources can be scarce, it is vital that
individuals with disabilities are not prevented from
receiving needed health care benefits and services as this
violates federal civil rights laws.
“Our civil rights laws stand no matter what, including
during disasters or emergencies, and it is critical that we
work together to ensure equity in all that we do for all
patients,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The
pandemic has shone a light on the disparities in our health
care system and provided us with a new opportunity to
address them in a meaningful way. Protecting people
with disabilities from being discriminated against in
crisis situations is a critical part of this work, and we
are continuing to evaluate our operations Department-wide
to ensure accessibility.”
In today's guidance, HHS clarified that federal civil
rights laws apply to health care providers, including those
administering COVID-19 testing, medical supplies, and
medication. These rules also apply to entities providing
hospitalization, long-term care, intensive treatments, and
critical care, such as oxygen therapy and mechanical
ventilators. Additionally, federal civil rights laws apply
to state Crisis Standard of Care plans, procedures, and
related standards for triaging scarce resources that
hospitals are required to follow. The FAQs remind health
care providers of their obligations under law and provide
examples of applicability.
“During a public health emergency like the COVID-19
pandemic, biases and stereotypes may impact decision-making
when hospitals and other providers are faced with scarce
resources,” said OCR Director Lisa J. Pino. “OCR will
continue our robust enforcement of federal civil rights
laws that protect people with disabilities from
discrimination, including when Crisis Standards of Care are
in effect.”
This guidance is one of many comprehensive action steps
taken by HHS to support President Biden’s National Strategy
for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness to
protect those most at risk, advance equity, and address
disparities in rates of infection, illness, and death.
Learn
more about how OCR is protecting civil rights during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment