Policy Researchers: Social Needs Screening Must Be Reworked


credit: Raw Story

"There is an indisputable connection between social factors (eg, low food security, housing instability), structural racism, poverty, and health," researchers write in JAMA.

"However, without additional considerations, these well-intentioned mandates will impede progress in health equity and have the potential to increase long-standing racial and socioeconomic inequities."

Starting in 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will require hospitals to start screening patients for "health-related social needs" (HRSN), which can include everything from depression to substance abuse to mental health issues, per the New York Times.

But researchers warn that these mandates could lead to a "misdistribution" of screening among low-income and minority patients, who may not be seeking help if they feel they're being judged or discriminated against, per a press release.

"The assumption should always be that patients (unless incapacitated) know best what their unmet needs are, eg, if they have enough food for themselves," the researchers write.

"Patients (unless incapacitated) know best what their unmet needs are, eg, if they have enough food for themselves."

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended HRSN screening at visits in 2016, but researchers say there's little overlap between screening for social risks (ie, things like

Read the Entire Article


Selected Grant News Headlines

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

Kosciusko County Goes 'All in' With New Countywide Initiative For Economic and Community Growth
Foundation: Lilly Endowment

All In Kosciusko exists to promote and accelerate the economic and community development already happening across the county.Concerns about economic diversification, talent retention and quality of...more

Bill Gatton Foundation

The Bill Gatton Foundation supports K-12 and higher education, health, and community development in Kentucky, Upper East Tennessee, and Southwest Virginia.Large education grants include $13.5 million...more

Local Organizations Win $9 Million For New Affordable Housing, Social Services

Local organizations win $9 million for new affordable housing, social services.Connecticut's Community Investment Fund grants come amid a deluge of cuts to federal funding.The fund was established in...more

Kindness and Philanthropy Feeding People in Tahoe
Foundation: Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation

Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation has proudly supported Bread & Broth for the past 10 years.In 2024, the Community Foundation was able to introduce the mission of Bread and Broth to a donor who is...more

Latino Community Foundation Awards $3.88M in Grants Across California and Nevada
Foundation: Latino Community Foundation

Latino Community Foundation Awards $3.88M in Grants Across California and Nevada.NewsBreak: Latino Community Foundation awards $3,000,000 in grants across California andNevada.Newsbreak: $1.5 million...more

Beyond Philanthropy: Alejandro Betancourt Lopez's Vision of Impact-Driven Business Development

Alejandro Betancourt Lopez rejects traditional corporate social responsibility models that separate business operations from community impact.Rather than limiting community engagement to corporate...more

Thoughtful Philanthropy For A Happier Community

Thoughtful giving isn't just about making a donation, it's about creating meaningful impact.Community foundations exist to connect generosity with need, ensuring that charitable giving is both...more

Nonprofit Finance Fund Hires Kareem Thomas As Chief Credit Officer

Kareem Thomas most recently served as Chief Credit and Lending Administration Officer at Reinvestment Fund.Bhavani Daryanani has more than 20 years of experience in the sector, bringing deep...more

Secu Foundation Honored With Ccuf Hero Award For Partner in Philanthropy

SECU Foundation has been named a recipient of the 2024 Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Hero Award for Partner in Philanthropy.The SECU Foundation promotes local community development in North...more

Love Where You Live Initiative Identifies Reno County Priorities; Grant Opportunities Available
Foundation: Hutchinson Community Foundation

Residents say increases in average household income and businesses that pay above average wage are the top indicators of economic progress in Reno County.They also identify attracting new businesses,...more


In the world of social enterprises, failure is a cringe-worthy moment nobody wants to talk about. But, social entrepreneurs can benefit from their failures.



Federal Government Grant and Assistance Programs


Denali Commmission Grants and Loans | San Joaquin River Restoration Program | Learn and Serve America_Higher Education | Nursing Research | Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education | Environmental Information Exchange Network Grant Program and Related Assistance | Overseas Programs Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad | Repetitive Flood Claims | | Site Style by YAML | Grants.gov | Grants | Grants News | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Edited by: Michael Saunders

© 2008-2025 Copyright Michael Saunders