HHS issues guidance on combating Jew-hatred in healthcare

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance to healthcare providers and entities receiving department funding, clarifying that federal anti-discrimination laws apply to instances of antisemitism. This guidance, issued on Thursday, applies to HHS-funded healthcare settings, medical education, clinical training, and research, including hospitals, medical schools, and universities. It states that antisemitic conduct may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act when it involves discrimination based on actual or perceived Jewish ancestry, ethnic characteristics, or Israeli national origin. Examples include "delaying treatment, imposing additional security or identification requirements or modifying communication or grievance handling because a patient, family member or clinician is or is perceived to be Jewish or Israeli." The guidance also addresses religious nondiscrimination protections for Medicare and Medicaid participants and calls for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism to be considered. Kenneth Marcus of the Brandeis Center stated, "Though every form of antisemitism is repugnant, its spread within healthcare settings is particularly enraging."