Crisis Standards of Care
Crisis standards of care (CSC) is when a health care systems are so overwhelmed by a pervasive or catastrophic public health event it is impossible for them to provide the normal, or standard, level of care to patients. In situations like this, a formal declaration by state government would occur to recognize health care systems are in crisis operations that may last for some time. MDH supports CSC planning as it is impossible to predict the timing and severity of a future outbreak and waiting for the disaster to strike would be too late.
Science Advisory Team
The Science Advisory Team (SAT) develops guidance for hospitals, health systems, health care coalitions. The SAT advises the MDH Commissioner on strategies for optimal allocation of scarce resources during crisis standards of care situations including ethical and policy considerations.
- Patient Care Strategies for Scarce Resource Situations (PDF) Updated May 2019, now includes ECMO!
A standardized tool to assist Minnesota hospitals, clinics or primary care settings in determining the best use of specialized equipment and supplies during a pervasive or catastrophic public health event. - Pharmaceutical Shortages for Minnesota Hospitals (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions. Updated June 2019.
Minnesota CSC Framework
- CSC Framework
The goal of the CSC Framework is to provide planning guidance to health care and public health organizations to successfully manage the transition from conventional to contingency to crisis care, if the need arises. It addresses specific challenges of a pervasive or catastrophic emergency when demand exceeds available resources warranting a shift from individual patients to the good of the community.
Community Engagement
The Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response is conducting community engagement sessions to gather feedback on Minnesota’s Crisis Standards of Care Framework. Public participation in shaping the Framework helps to ensure that the guidance created reflects community values and priorities.
- Crisis Standards of Care Community Engagement (PDF)
Interested in hosting a community engagement session? Learn more about community engagement efforts and learn how your organization can help. - Community Engagement Summary (PDF)
Summary report of the first five community engagement session from 2017.
Ethical Resources
- Minnesota Pandemic Ethics Project
Part of the state of Minnesota's efforts to plan for the possibility of an influenza pandemic. - Ethical Guidance for Disaster Response, Specifically Around Crisis Standards of Care: A Systematic Review
This systematic review identified the most oft-used and –discussed ethical concepts and principles used in disaster planning around CSC.
Additional Resources
- Ambulatory Care Clinic Tool Kit
Toolkit containing material for the clinic management team to use in planning for and responding to infection control aspects of an influenza pandemic.
