Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Mandatory Covid Shots Supported By American Hospital Association
The Washington Post: Nation’s Largest Hospital Group Supports Mandatory Coronavirus Vaccines For Health Workers
The nation’s largest hospital association called Wednesday for all health workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus as case numbers surge again. “To protect all patients, communities and personnel from the known and substantial risks of COVID-19, the American Hospital Association strongly urges the vaccination of all health care personnel,” the organization said in a policy statement. “The AHA also supports hospitals and health systems that adopt mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for health care personnel, with local factors and circumstances shaping whether and how these policies are implemented.” (Diamond, 7/21)
Modern Healthcare: American Hospital Association Supports COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
The American Hospital Association supports hospitals and health systems that require their workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the group announced Wednesday. AHA, which represents nearly 5,000 hospitals and health systems, joins dozens of providers and several associations that have also backed vaccine mandates for healthcare workers. (Kacik, 7/21)
In related news about hospital mandates —
Fox News: NJ Hospital System Threatening To Fire Unvaccinated Employees Faces Backlash
Unvaccinated healthcare workers are sparking outrage after receiving an ultimatum from their employer. Hackensack Meridian Health, one of the largest hospital organizations in New Jersey, is making its employees choose: get vaccinated or be terminated. A letter sent out to staff by CEO Robert Garrett calls for all hospital staff to have at least one coronavirus vaccine dose by October 1, or face continued suspension and eventual termination. Amanda Heim is a licensed practical nurse for a Hackensack Meridian hospital and one of the employees facing termination for her decision to not be vaccinated, she told Fox News. "I feel awful," she said. "I feel like I have to choose between my values and a career, it's terrifying." (Coffey, 7/21)
Detroit Free Press: Henry Ford Health COO: Employee COVID-19 Vaccines Is 'Right Thing To Do'
Days after hundreds of people protested outside five Henry Ford Health System hospitals, the COO and president of health care operations said Wednesday that "we have never been more committed" to the system's decision to require COVID-19 vaccinations of its employees. The decision "is the right thing to do for the health and safety of our patients, our workforce and the communities we serve. If health care is not going to lead on this issue, who will?" COO Bob Riney said. "They depend on us and trust us to ensure a safe and healthy environment and we pledged to honor that promise." (Hall, 7/22)
