Government Works to Match Health Rules to Rapid Virus Response

The Trump administration is playing catch-up, relaxing and temporarily tossing out rules some hospitals have already been forced to disregard as they cope with a flood of coronavirus patients, limited supplies, and a shortage of staff.

Federal agencies in recent weeks waived certain rules for nursing homes, expanded insurance coverage for coronavirus testing under Medicare Part B and plans purchased through HealthCare.gov, and gave hospitals a reprieve from certain requirements intended to protect patient privacy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services went even further Monday, making a series of changes that allow hospitals to treat more patients in temporary ...