Going Nuclear: Crisis Standards of Care

Splitting vents, DIYing facemask, and having a blanket DNR are nuclear options that agencies and providers cannot immediatly jump to because there is a shortage or pandemic. Organizations and providers that carte blanche change the standards of care without strong planning and consideration can face serious legal ramifications. The process to develop crisis standards of care takes considerable planning to ensure that the healthcare system can provide reasonable care to limit the morbidity and mortality for the public at large.

It’s important to be mindful that the experience and resources may vary widely among geographical areas and systems. Noticing that some hospital