Safeguarding the Well-Being of HHS Beneficiaries

HHS programs provide critical services to diverse populations across a broad range of settings including hospitals, clinics, child care facilities, shelters, nursing homes, and peoples’ own homes. Services are directly provided by HHS personnel, delivered via HHS grant programs, delivered by contractors supporting HHS, or rendered by professionals chosen by individuals who then claim reimbursements from Federal programs. Services include health care, education, child care, and in limited circumstances taking legal custody for select populations. Ensuring that intended beneficiaries receive appropriate services that meet standards for quality, are free from abuse or neglect, and are not exposed to infectious agents represents a major challenge for the Department. This imperative is particularly pronounced for nursing home care that serves many Americans whose health is most fragile. As the Department supports the Nation’s efforts to respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be challenges to ensuring safety and quality for beneficiaries receiving all varieties of care and services.