The Department of Health and Human Services today released a proposed rule implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability in certain health programs and activities. According to HHS, the proposed rule restores and strengthens civil rights protections for patients and consumers in certain federally funded health programs after a 2020 version of the rule limited its scope and power to cover fewer programs and services. Specifically, HHS said the rule affirms protections against discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s holding in Bostock v. Clayton County, and reiterates protections from discrimination for seeking reproductive health care services.

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A new AHA report warns that access to care is increasingly at risk in rural communities as workforce shortages, financial pressures and policy changes threaten…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 30 finalized its Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing Model, also known as the GLOBE Model. The…
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The Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights released new guidance on statutory and regulatory requirements under 42 CFR Part 2, which…
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Sept. 25 announced the launch of a new initiative measuring quality in Medicaid and the Children’s Health…
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The AHA commented Sept. 21 on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed rule to implement the changes to Medicaid provider tax policies that…
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To reduce suicide in the healthcare workforce, hospitals and health systems must create an environment where workers feel safe asking for help.By Susan…