HHS renews public health emergency

The Department of Health and Human Services yesterday formally renewed the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration. The 90-day extension, requested by AHA and other health care stakeholders, will help hospitals and health systems combat COVID-19 in their communities.

In a statement applauding the renewal, AHA said “The declaration of a public health emergency has given hospitals and health systems and our caregivers the ability to respond in an innovative, timely and decisive manner to the virus. It has been an invaluable tool in the battle against COVID-19 by providing the necessary resources to care for patients and communities, such as expanded use of telemedicine and the ability to provide care in alternative care sites.”