10/10/2024

CDPH AFL Addressing IV Solution Shortage

AFL 24-24 Intravenous (IV) Solution Shortage due to Hurricane Helene is now available. This AFL notifies facilities of the intravenous (IV) solution shortage due to Hurricane Helene. This AFL also provides Baxter’s guidance for health care providers on product management and conservation actions and CDPH guidance for planning and responding to supply chain issues.

Earlier this week, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) sent a brief letter to US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra regarding intravenous (IV) solutions shortages arising in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In the letter, ASCA requests that a national public health emergency be declared to allow for waivers of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rules and regulations that would help alleviate the growing problems associated with sterile IV shortages throughout the US. In addition to declaring a national public health emergency, HHS should continue to work with and encourage the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to declare a shortage of sterile IV solutions to allow certain flexibilities not otherwise available to healthcare providers.

ASCs should be evaluating their inventory and practices to prepare for potential shortages and impacts to their surgical patients.  We encourage our members to utilize the CASA Online Community to further communicate with other ASCs on how they are adapting their policies and practices as the situation evolves.