"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
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