Final rule partially restores long-standing process for enforcing federal conscience laws

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights Jan. 9 released a final rule that partially rescinds a sweeping 2019 rule that was held unlawful by three federal district courts. The new rule restores the longstanding process for enforcing federal conscience laws, and strengthens protections against conscience and religious discrimination. 

The AHA last year submitted comments supporting the Administration’s approach, adding that conscience protections for health care professionals “are longstanding and deeply rooted in our health care delivery system.”