HHS releases final rule on exercise of conscience

Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights issued a final rule aimed at protecting individuals and health care entities from discrimination on the basis of their exercise of conscience in HHS-funded programs. The rule replaces a 2011 rule and finalizes protections for health workers who cite religious or moral objections to providing certain services. The American Hospital Association reaffirmed the field’s commitment to respecting the conscience objections of hospital employees and medical staff and, at the same time, ensuring patients have access to necessary care. (HHS news release, 5/2/19)