Crisis Standards of Care

What is Crisis Standards of Care?

CSC was activated statewide by the Department of Health and Welfare, but the hospitals will implement according to their own policies and available resources. Each hospital will make patient care decisions based on the current situation at the hospital guided by the Crisis Standards of Care.

Crisis Standards of Care is a last resort. It means that the number of patients needing care is more than the amount of resources (e.g. space, equipment, etc.) available. 

What does this mean for you?

This is serious; your ability to receive care in a hospital will likely be affected. It may look very different than how you have received care in the past. Surgeries are being postponed, emergency departments are full, and there may not be any beds for patients to be admitted to the hospital.

What should you do?

The crisis in our healthcare system is being caused by the massive influx of COVID-19 patients who need hospitalization. Get vaccinated. It is safe and effective, and it is the best defense we have against COVID-19. More than 91 percent of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in Idaho are not fully vaccinated.

If you need emergency care, go to the emergency room. Do not avoid care. Hospitals will work hard to make sure you receive appropriate care.

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