Ensuring Patient Access and Protecting Hospital Operations
Actions in Washington, D.C., last week created some questions around hospital operations. At MHA, with our partners at the American Hospital Association, we are closely monitoring the changes around the new presidential administration to support hospital operations and ensure that all patients continue to have seamless access to acute care.
Last week the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a new directive, “Expanding Law Enforcement” (see the announcement) to eliminate restrictions on immigration authorities conducting arrests at “sensitive” areas or locations, which includes hospitals. MHA shared guidance from Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown on immigration enforcement in health care settings. (Read the full guidance here). This guidance provides legal and operational clarity for hospitals, to ensure compliance with federal and state laws while protecting patient access to essential care.
We also shared material from the Greater New York Hospital Association that may be helpful, including: a Q&A, a Liaison Fact Sheet, a Notice to Employees, and a Notice to Patients and Visitors.
MHA continues to track federal policy developments that could impact hospital funding. The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a memo that temporarily paused grants, loans, and financial assistance programs implicated by recent executive orders. While the memo is no longer in effect, the initial policy exempted Medicare and Medicaid funding along with a few other specific programs. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in suing to stop the Trump administration from withholding essential federal funding.
We will continue to track these and other federal actions and keep you informed. Please reach out to us with any questions, mha@mhaonline.org.
My best,
Melony G. Griffith
President & CEO