HHS reinforces requirements for providers to give equal care to people with disabilities

HHS’ guidance said disability rights apply to state crisis standards of care plans and procedures that detail how hospitals must triage scarce resources. “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 Lisa Pino, director of HHS’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR), in a statement. “When allocating scarce resources or care in a public health emergency, covered entities must analyze the specific patient’s ability to benefit from the treatment sought, free from stereotypes and bias about disability,” the guidance said.