HHS addresses data collection, discrimination, testing

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic and issued guidance aimed at averting discrimination during the public health emergency. On July 17, the department announced it would begin distributing $10 billion to hospitals in areas hard hit by the pandemic; and this week HHS announced the creation of a national forum to share information on SARS-CoV-2 testing. Meanwhile, the HHS Office of Civil Rights (OCR) issued guidance to ensure recipients of federal aid comply with federal laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. The OCR also provided technical assistance to make it possible for clergy to visit a patient without disrupting clinical care. Prepared remarks by HHS Chief Information Officer Jose Arrieta on changes to how hospital data on COVID-19 is being collected are also available on the department website.