One important learning from the two-and-a-half-year COVID-19 pandemic is that the public health emergency (PHE) waivers made an enormous difference for hospitals and health systems. While the waivers were meant to quickly pivot to address the challenges hospitals and health systems faced during the PHE, some of them are worth keeping permanently.In a July 29 letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, the AHA pressed the case for extending the PHE past its current expiration date in October. That’s because the regulatory flexibility afforded to caregivers — the expanded ability to deal with COVID-19 surges and design approaches that best meet the needs of their communities — has demonstrated its value time and again.
We deeply appreciate the support that HHS has provided during the pandemic. Among other benefits, waivers have allowed for hospital bed flexibilities, expanded access to telehealth services, supported the establishment of hospital at home programs, enhanced the ability of health care professionals to practice across state lines, and offered providers relief from administrative burdens. The PHE declaration has also made possible several critical coverage and hospital payment policies.
You have spoken out about this, and we’re making sure Washington, D.C., hears you loud and clear. We shared the results …