AHA to HHS: Renew COVID-19 public health emergency

In a March 28 letter, the American Hospital Association (AHA) asked the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to renew the COVID-19 public health emergency, calling it “an important step to ensure our members can serve their patients and communities during the pandemic and beyond.” Eight associations joined the AHA in signing the letter. “Our members continue to face challenges related to workforce shortages and staff burnout, continuing disruptions in the supply chain leading to shortages of supplies and a need for further clinical guidance regarding the symptoms of and best course of treatment for long COVID-19 patients,” they wrote. “We request you act to renew the PHE so that hospitals and health systems are able to continue providing the highest levels of care for our communities.” (AHA letter, 3/28/22)