Idaho re-activates crisis standards of care in three health districts in southern Idaho

1.24.22 - The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) has activated Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) this morning in accordance with IDAPA 16.02.09 – Crisis Standards of Care For Healthcare Entities in three local public health districts -- Southwest District Health, Central District Health, and South Central District Health – due to severe staffing and blood shortages.

The high number of both clinical and non-clinical staff unable to work due to the impacts of COVID-19 infections coupled with a nation-wide staffing shortage limiting access to contracted traveling staff is impacting current hospital operations. It is also limiting the ability of hospitals to maintain capacity for things like intensive care beds due to inadequate staffing. Additionally, a nation-wide shortage of blood and blood products is significantly impacting healthcare systems, and most have implemented blood conservation strategies.

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