As COVID-19 progresses, cyber criminals seek to exploit health care infrastructure.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
Below are links to AHA Today stories on novel coronavirus (COVID-19). For all coronavirus resources and news updates, visit our COVID-19 page.
Latest
by John Riggi, National Advisor for Cybersecurity and Risk, AHA
The Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201). The House of Representatives March 16 passed by unanimous consent a revised version of the bill that made technical corrections to the legislation that the House originally approved March 14.
President Trump today invoked the Defense Production Act to expand production of ventilators, masks and other emergency medical supplies.
About 80% of deaths and 45% of hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the U.S. are among adults aged 65 or older, with the risk of serious illness and death increasing with age, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The AHA joined physician and other groups urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to take steps to ensure COVID-19 does not derail the Alternative Payment Model and value movement.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights will immediately exercise its enforcement discretion and waive potential penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients through everyday communications technologies during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency, the agency announced.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will implement the new specific ICD-10-CM code for COVID-19, U07.1, April 1 rather than Oct. 1 as originally planned, the agency said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its COVID-19 FAQ page for health care professionals, including links to relevant guidance and resources.
CMS released COVID-19 infection control guidance for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organizations, noting that there may be circumstances where a PACE organization may need to implement strategies that do not fully comply with CMS PACE program requirements.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today announced several waivers and policy changes to broaden access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Coronavirus Update: Federal agencies announce emergency waivers, guidance; guidelines on mass gatherings; FDA spurs faster test results with policy change; cyberattack targets HHS, COVID-19 misinformation and more.
by Melinda L. Estes, M.D.
As our nation’s strategy to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, hospitals and health systems remain on the front lines of this outbreak.
As urged by the AHA and other health groups, President Trump today declared a national emergency in response to the COVI-19 outbreak.
by Rick Pollack
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack provides perspective on the state of hospital preparedness in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The AHA, American Nurses Association and American Medical Association today urged the president to declare the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act or the National Emergencies Act.
AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack and hospital and health system leaders met with top Administration officials at the White House to discuss the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Internal Revenue Service have released a number of new information resources related to COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield said the agency is in the process of setting up a public tracker for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, and it could be available this week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for evaluating and testing patients for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and for assessing and managing health care personnel with potential exposure to patients with the virus.
by Rick Pollack
Health care is a team sport. Patients benefit when health care teams work together to enhance care coordination. This has taken on an even greater urgency as our country prepares for and responds to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
America’s Health Insurance Plans said it is taking action to make sure plans cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing and reduce service barriers, such as prior-authorization and cost-sharing. AHIP also is encouraging the use of telehealth and at-home care to widen access.