Massachusetts changes COVID-19 care-rationing guidelines amid concerns of unconscious bias

After pushback from minority communities and people with disabilities, Massachusetts has revised its care-rationing guidelines in the case of a drastic surge in COVID-19 patients.

Previous guidelines recommended that care-rationing decisions (e.g., who gets ventilators and intensive care unit beds) be based, in part, on patient conditions that could affect the chances of long-term survival. They also had stated that care-rationing should not be based on factors including race, disability, gender, and immigration status; yet, some still had concerns that patients would not be protected from unconscious bias.

Revised guidelines therefore indicate that decisions must be made based on the chances of short-term survival and that a person’s disability should not be the sole consideration.

According to a state health department spokesperson, the new guidelines seek to "prevent unconscious bias against people of color, people with disabilities and other community members who are marginalized.”

The spokesperson also noted, "The guidelines have been revised to reflect the direct input of stakeholders to develop guidelines that clarify concerns regarding equity and disparities.”

Source: Beckers Hospital Review