HHS Issues $9B from Provider Relief Fund, OCR Gives HIPAA Guidance
HHS distributed $9 billion from the Provider Relief Fund, OCR has issued HIPAA guidance to support extreme risk protection orders, and the VA has initiated a new partnership to improve health systems.
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By - The VA has initiated a research fellowship with the Regenstrief Institute of Indiana to advance health systems and train new fellows in the fields of health services research, implementation science, healthcare system improvement, bioethics, and data analytics.
At HHS, officials have issued guidance on HIPAA compliance in the case of extreme risk protection orders. Additionally, HHS officials announced the distribution of $9 billion from the Provider Relief Fund to assist provider practices hurt by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the legal battle over vaccine mandates for healthcare workers has continued. This week the fifth circuit appeals court reversed a previous injunction that halted the mandates nationwide.
VA Awards Regenstrief Research Fellowship
The VA has issued a research fellowship to Regenstrief for health services research and development. Regenstrief is a research institute that works to improve healthcare through its centers for aging research, biomedical informatics, and health services.
The new fellowship will be led by Teresa Damush, PhD, and Marianne Matthias, PhD, who are both research scientists working at Regenstrief. The programs’ goal is to disseminate knowledge and training to healthcare professionals. Starting in 2022, two fellows will join the program and begin training. READ MORE.
OCR Issues HIPAA Guidance
The HHS’ Office for Civil Rights has issued guidance concerning the release of protected health information in the case of extreme risk protection orders (ERPO). New information explained how healthcare providers can comply with ERPOs without violating HIPAA. These orders can prevent a person from acquiring a firearm if they are deemed a risk to themselves or others.
Xavier Becerra, HHS secretary, explained in a press release that "Too often, communities bear the weight of heartbreaking tragedies caused by the epidemic of gun violence in our country.” “Today's guidance on HIPAA and Extreme Risk Protection Orders is an important step the Biden-Harris Administration is taking towards protecting communities from gun violence by allowing law enforcement, concerned family members, or others to prevent a person in crisis from accessing firearms," Becerra continued. READ MORE.
Appeals Court Greenlights Vaccine Mandate
The fifth circuit appeals court has allowed the embattled healthcare worker vaccine mandate to take effect in 26 states. This decision reverses a lower court ruling that issued a nationwide injunction on healthcare vaccine mandates. Medicare and Medicaid facilities will need to have a fully vaccinated staff by January 4, 2022, or face a loss of federal funding. READ MORE.
HHS Distributes $9B in Provider Relief
HHS has issued another phase of funding to support healthcare providers that were hit hardest during the pandemic. The Provider Relief Fund will support 69,000 providers with $9 billion through the end of 2021 and into the start of the new year. Average relief payments for small providers are expected to be $58,000, while the average payments for medium and large providers are $289,000 and $1.7 million, respectively. READ MORE.
CMS Encourages Best Practices for Maternal Care
In a recent press release, CMS offered hospitals guidance for following evidence-based maternal health practices. This announcement comes as a part of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Call to Action to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
“I am proud that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to addressing the nation’s crisis in pregnancy-related deaths and health disparities. At HHS, we will continue to ensure safe pregnancies and improve maternal health outcomes for all new parents,” Xavier Becerra said in the press release on the matter. READ MORE.
