Preventing Discrimination in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: The Illegality of Medical Rationing on the Basis of Disability

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The healthcare system in the US is overwhelmed by individuals with COVID-19 needing intensive medical care. This may result in healthcare providers taking “rationing” measures to decide who should or should not receive care and, if they do, what level of care. This document outlines the legal prohibiting of such measures when they result in the denial of care on the basis of disability to an individual who would benefit from it.

    View this resource

    How to use this resource:

    • Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare workers can use this to ensure treatment policies are legal and ethical 
    • Lawmakers can use this to reiterate, communicate, and help guide decision-making in healthcare settings

    References

    DREDF (2020). Preventing Discrimination in the Treatment of COVID-19 Patients: The Illegality of Medical Rationing on the Basis of Disability.

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