Texas Hospitals Testify on COVID-19 Priorities, Concerns

(AUSTIN, Texas – March 10, 2020)  – The Texas Hospital Association testified before the Texas House Public Health Committee today about COVID-19 and hospitals’ work to prepare. A link to the written testimony can be found here.

“Texas hospitals have an incredible responsibility, and protecting our state is central to the mission of every hospital, no matter our size, location or type,” said Carrie Kroll, vice president of Advocacy, Quality and Public Health for THA. “Hospital care is a precious resource that Texas cannot deplete. We will continue to refine our preparations as more information becomes available.”

THA outlined the following key issues for state leaders today with regarding to COVID-19.

• With additional people being transported to Texas via federal repatriation, Texas hospitals urgently need increased coordination between the federal and state government and Texas hospitals. Texas hospitals need greater visibility on repatriation and placements so they can best prepare for potential increases in the number of acutely ill patients in Texas.
• The need for faster turnaround times on testing and more testing capability.
• The need for supply chains that are robust and flowing for PPE and other medical supplies.
• The need for financial support to cover extreme costs associated with COVID-19.
• The need for assistance with public education to ensure the general public is aware of the appropriate uses for masks, emergency departments and other key health care resources.

Kroll noted that THA is convening a COVID-19 Taskforce of hospitals that will work through the most pressing COVID-19 issues. The members will be announced later in the week.

“Hospitals save lives and are no strangers to being prepared for challenges,” Kroll said. “Coronavirus is unfolding as one of the heaviest lifts of our time from a hospital perspective and deserves our undivided attention.”

About THA
Founded in 1930, the Texas Hospital Association is the leadership organization and principal advocate for the state’s hospitals and health care systems. Based in Austin, THA enhances its members’ abilities to improve accessibility, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care for all Texans. One of the largest hospital associations in the country, THA represents more than 85% of the state’s acute-care hospitals and health care systems, which employ some 400,000 health care professionals statewide. Learn more about THA at www.tha.org or follow THA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/texashospitals.