AHA pledges to help hospitals navigate post-ruling landscape

The American Hospital Association’s (AHA’s) General Counsel Melinda Hatton released a statement last week following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn Roe v. Wade. She noted that the decision “will have practical impacts on hospitals and health systems, including on health care provided across state lines, [Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act] EMTALA obligations, maternal health care, the clinician-patient relationship, medical education and access to care for individuals regardless of socioeconomic status. We are committed to helping our member hospitals and health systems navigate the evolving landscape consistent with AHA’s mission of advancing the health of all individuals and communities.” Separately, four health care system leaders discussed the potential ramifications of the decision on hospitals and health care.