New Mexico is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by enacting Crisis Standards of Care for the state health care system.
“Today (Oct. 18), the state is offering clarity and support as providers seek to make difficult choices about how to allocate scarce – and precious – health care resources,” Dr. David Scrase said. The acting secretary for the New Mexico Department of Health continued. “The goals, as always, remain the same: to save as many New Mexican lives as possible, and to help sustain the health care providers who have sustained our communities throughout the entire pandemic.”
This means some of the state’s hospitals and providers will employ a standardized and equitable measurement to determine who will receive care.
This move is being taken due to the strain on the state’s health care system, particularly from the number of COVID-19 patients, the need for more staff, and resource shortages.
Prior to enacting CSC, the State made other efforts to mitigate staff shortages across New Mexico, including connecting hospitals with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, contracting with nurses at the state level, and expanding monoclonal antibody treatments with FEMA support.
CSC will only be employed after facilities temporarily suspend non-medically-necessary procedures.
If hospitals need to move into CSC, the state will extend limited legal liability and a credentialing system to them.
Scrase reminded New Mexicans not to put off seeking the care they need while CSC is in place.
“If you’re sick or think you might be, please, call your doctor,” he said.
