Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Special Communications

As the nation’s hospitals and health systems, physicians, caregivers and staff treat and care for patients and our communities, there are others in the world seeking to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for financial gain. Particularly, cyber criminals. 

AHA, health care associations letter to Vice President Pence, Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Leader McCarthy, and Leader Schumer regarding the unprecedented challenge with COVID-19. From expanding public health capacity and access to and the availability of testing, to taking action to mitigate the economic and societal impact, we know these are serious and significant times. But we also know that immediate, collective action – by the private sector and all levels of government – to address the critical needs of capacity and supply can help resolve this challenge.

AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack provides a statement on the Senate passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

AHA and other groups urged House and Senate leaders to “preclude the financial impact or shared loss repayment for all accountable care organizations and other value-based program participants based o

AHA joined physician and other groups urging CMS to take steps to ensure COVID-19 does not derail the Alternative Payment Model and value movement. Specifically, the groups urged CMS to “allow flexibility with existing deadlines and requirements and take steps to ensure clinicians are not inappropriately penalized for the extreme costs of handling the pandemic so that they can continue to focus their energy on patient care.

AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack provides a statement on CMS's announcement over elective surgeries.

Hospital and health system leaders from Israel and Singapore shared their experiences on preparing for and responding to COVID-19 on a webinar hosted by the AHA and Federation of American Hospitals

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to challenge hospitals and health systems nationwide, many are responding with innovative solutions and new protocols to ensure patient safety. Leveraging telehealth services and moving testing and triage efforts associated with the new virus outside hospital walls, provider organizations are rapidly shifting initial points of care and the ways they engage with the public.

AHA urges Congress to quickly pass “critically needed” direct financial assistance for hospitals and health systems to combat the pandemic, including assistance for hospitals investing in infrastructure, equipment and supplies, and a full payroll tax credit or other mechanism to offset uncompensated care, bad debt and charity care costs for treating coronavirus patients.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced several waivers and policy changes to broaden access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS also released a Frequently Asked Questions document about the changes included in its announcement.

The House of Representatives yesterday passed by unanimous consent a revised version of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R.

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Joint Commission (TJC) said that beginning today, March 16, it will suspend all TJC surveying.

AHA asks the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider additional actions to temporarily suspend certain requirements in order for health care providers to better respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As Congress considers developing an economic stimulus package, the AHA, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association urge congressional leaders to include at least $1 billion to ensure that hospitals, health systems, physicians and nurses are viable and “directly supported” for preparedness and response. The organizations also urge that supplemental funding not be offset by cutting other health programs,

Information on emergency declaration waivers, nursing homes, respirators, public charge determinations and new testing codes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), as well as other organizations, have released a number of new documents and other information related to COVID-19.

America’s hospitals deeply appreciate Congress’s swift and effective efforts to combat the COVID-19 crisis. Your recent bipartisan action provides much needed assistance for patients and hospitals, especially our workforce on the front lines of this pandemic, and reassures all Americans of Congress’s unwavering commitment to take the actions needed to ensure their health and safety.

AHA, AAMC, CHA and FAH letter to assure the Surgeon General and the nation’s leadership that hospitals across the country are actively preparing, planning, and executing our emergency plans to stop the threat of COVID-19, and to provide the medical care that the American people will expect and need during this national emergency.

This is a list of information for patients and communities facing the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a list of information on CDC, FDA and CMS guidance about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.