Social Implications

Part 2 of this panel discussion with law and bioethics experts focuses on the intersection of disability rights and the rationing medical resources. Key discussion points include: Existing federal laws protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including the Affordable Read More

In this analysis at the Harvard Law Review blog, Constitutional scholar Anthony Michael Kreis says state policies implementing de facto travel restrictions on people from other states may raise Constitutional concerns but are likely to be upheld. Last week, President Read More

This story describes the city’s new mandate through April 30 that people entering buildings other than their own home take steps to cover their mouth and nose. The city of Laredo, Texas has passed an order requiring that anyone over Read More

This rapid expert consultation explains the key principles, elements, and messages for Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) decision-making, emphasizing the key distinction of moving from a focus on the individual patient to what is best for an entire group of Read More

This forthcoming article argues that basing resource allocation or triage decisions on a person’s pre-existing disability violates provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the Affordable Care Act.   These federal laws prohibit discrimination against Read More

This statement from the Joint Commission encourages healthcare facilities to allow staff to bring and use their own face masks or respirators throughout the day when the facility is unable to provide adequate access to protective equipment. The Joint Commission, Read More

This article discusses the President’s Coronavirus Task Force estimate that by strictly following extended social distancing and hygiene-related recommendations nationwide, the number of U.S. Coronavirus outbreak deaths can be held to 100,000, but that number could go much higher with Read More

This article discusses a New Hampshire court decision that found the governor’s emergency powers permit banning gatherings of more than 50 people, even if such actions infringe on people’s speech, assembly, and religious rights. The New Hampshire governor’s Emergency Order Read More

This article discusses a legal challenge filed against the Houston area stay-at-home order barring large, in-person gatherings for church services. Public health emergency response powers historically have permitted such restrictions. While to date Texas has not implemented a statewide stay-at-home Read More

The DHS designated firearm shop employees essential, while Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts have challenged. The Department of Homeland Security issued guidance recently designated firearm shop employees essential workers. Last week, a split Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied a petition by Read More