HHS releases final rule on conscience protections

The Department of Health and Human Services’ this week released a final rule that partially restores the long-standing process for enforcing federal conscience laws, and strengthens protections against conscience and religious discrimination. The rule partially rescinds a sweeping 2019 rule held unlawful by three federal district courts. Last year, the American Hospital Association submitted comments supporting the Administration’s approach, adding conscience protections for health care professionals are “long-standing and deeply rooted in our health care delivery system.” The rule becomes effective March 11 (HHS news release, 1/9/24)