Claire Ernst, director of government affairs for the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), explained why the federal COVID health emergency has been extended, and why that was so important, in an exclusive new interview with Health Exec.
The public health emergency was recently extended by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Oct. 13. The extension ensures healthcare organizations are still afforded the flexibilities granted during the early days of the pandemic and avoids the "telehealth cliff," according to Ernst.
A PHE lasts for 90 days, but can be renewed and extended by the HHS secretary. The COVID-19 PHE has leveraged emergency waivers, regulations, enforcement discretion and sub-regulatory guidance to offer more flexibilities to providers and improve access to care.
HHS has previously stated it will provide 60 days' notice before ending the PHE to give providers time to adjust. However, extending the PHE while the pandemic is still ongoing is critical, according to Ernst.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."