Crisis Standards of Care

Crisis Standards of Care are guidelines used by healthcare providers during emergencies, like pandemics or disasters, when resources such as staff, beds, or supplies are limited. They help prioritize care to save the most lives or maximize overall benefit, often making difficult decisions about who receives certain treatments. These standards aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and ethical decision-making when normal healthcare operations can’t be maintained, enabling providers to deliver the best possible care under strained circumstances.