AHA voices support for bill to address ED AONL crowding

The American Hospital Association expressed support for the Addressing Boarding and Crowding in the Emergency Department Act (S. 1974). Sponsored by Sens. Chris Coons, D-Del., and David McCormick, R-Pa., the bipartisan bill seeks to improve data collection on hospital capacity and ED boarding. It also would support new care models that improve care coordination across the healthcare continuum. In a letter to the bill’s sponsors, the AHA says the causes of ED boarding and crowding are complex and have become persistent and growing challenges for hospitals nationwide. The letter states the AHA is committed to advancing solutions to improve the emergency care experience for patients and caregivers. (AHA letter, 10/20/26)