FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement attributable to:
Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH
President and CEO
America’s Essential Hospitals
WASHINGTON — We support the Biden administration’s vaccination goals, including for health care workers as they lead our nation’s response to COVID-19. We have supported our members’ efforts to require vaccination for their employees, and we have asked that they commit to promoting equity in vaccine access.
The interim final rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services aligns with our commitment to vaccination as the best way to protect patients and keep caregivers safe. We appreciate the phased approach to compliance, and we ask the agency to release interpretive guidance as soon as possible to help providers comply with the new vaccine requirements. The pandemic continues to place immense pressure on staffing at our member hospitals, and we must guard against unintended consequences that make matters worse.
We will work with the administration and Congress to shore up the health care workforce and secure other support essential hospitals need as they continue the fight against COVID-19.
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About America’s Essential Hospitals
America’s Essential Hospitals is the leading champion for hospitals and health systems dedicated to high-quality care for all, including the most vulnerable. We support our more than 300 members with advocacy, policy development, research, and education. Communities depend on essential hospitals to provide specialized, lifesaving services; train the health care workforce; advance public health and health equity; and coordinate care. Essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead the way to more effective and efficient care. Learn more at essentialhospitals.org.
Contact:
Carl Graziano
cgraziano@essentialhospitals.org
202.585.0102
