America's Essential Hospitals commented on several policy proposals of interest to essential hospitals and responded to requests for information on maternal health, equity, and climate change.

The agency's strategy to strengthen behavioral health care focuses on improving access, equity, quality, and data integration.

CMS on May 25 approved proposals in four states to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year after birth.

CDC is tracking monkeypox, a virus endemic to west and central Africa, after confirming a case in a Massachusetts resident who recently traveled to Canada.

The association thanked the administration for taking steps to reverse the damaging 2019 broadened definition of public charge and made recommendations for developing and implementing a new definition.

Hospitals and other industry stakeholders are invited to pledge by June 3 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase their climate resilience.

The action plan includes goals to close gaps in health care access, quality, and outcomes through data collection, outreach, and community engagement.

A federal judge in Florida ruled against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel mask requirement, ending the Transportation Security Administration's enforcement of the mandate. But the CDC continues to recommend masking during traveling.

Effective April 16, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.

Recommendations for Medicare and Medicaid equity measures under development focus on standardized data collection and opportunities for testing and feedback.

President Joe Biden unveils a new COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan; FEMA extends its 100 percent federal cost share for COVID-19 efforts.

Coupled with the $11 billion previously distributed, this brings total phase 4 payments to about $11.5 billion, leaving less than $6 billion in pledged funds. These new funds will reach more than 4,000 providers across the United States this week.

Due to a calculation error in measure results used for calendar year 2021 public reporting, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has delayed until July the overall hospital star ratings update originally scheduled for April.

The Department of Health and Human Services will distribute $19.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help train primary care residents to provide quality care to diverse populations and communities, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

The funds will reach more than 7,600 providers across the country this week; $6 billion in pledged phase 4 funds remain undistributed.

Effective Jan. 14, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the public health emergency determination related to the continued effects of COVID-19; the determination has been in place since Jan. 27, 2020, and has been renewed every three months.