IV Fluid Shortage Prompts Hospital Group to Request National Emergency Declaration

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has asked the federal government to declare a national emergency due to a shortage of IV solutions. The scarcity has arisen after Hurricane Helene disrupted supplies, leading to concerns about patient safety.

Impact of Hurricane Helene on IV Solution Supply

Baxter International, the primary producer of certain intravenous (IV) solutions in the United States, recently had to close its North Cove manufacturing plant in North Carolina due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. This closure has led to a disruption in the supply of IV fluids to hospitals. The AHA, in a letter to President Joe Biden dated Oct. 7, reported that their members are already experiencing significant shortages of these crucial products. The association, which represents nearly 5,000 member hospitals, 43,000 individual members, and other health care organizations, warned that patients across America are already feeling the impact of this shortage. They predict that the situation will worsen in the coming days and weeks unless more is done to mitigate the situation and minimize the impact on patient care.

AHA's Request to the Federal Government

The AHA has called on the federal government to declare a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act. They revealed that the North Cove plant produces approximately 1.5 million bags of IV solutions daily, accounting for about 60% of America's supply. The disruption in manufacturing has led Baxter and other IV solution suppliers to impose buying limits and stop accepting new customers. The association has urged the Administration to take immediate actions to increase the supply of IV solutions for the nation's hospitals, health systems, and other health care providers, who are already struggling to provide care.

Proposed Measures to Increase IV Solution Supply

The AHA has requested President Biden to direct the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit hospitals and health systems to prepare sterile IV solutions in their pharmacies. They also suggested that the FDA identify international manufacturers capable of producing IV fluids and extend the shelf-life of all IV solutions that are "beyond or nearing their expiration date." Additionally, the AHA has asked the federal government to invoke the Defense Production Act to ensure that manufacturers are encouraged to accept contracts for materials required to produce IV solutions. They believe that such manufacturers should be incentivized to expand the production and supply of critical materials.

Impact on Surgeries and Measures to Tackle Supply Disruption

The ongoing disruption in the supply of IV fluid has led some surgeries to be suspended. Michelle Rathman, the founder of Impact Communications, a company specializing in health care strategy and communications, reported that they are helping their "Critical Access Hospital clients to inform their communities about suspending elective procedures until further notice." Baxter, on the other hand, reported that Hurricane Helene destroyed the bridges to the firm's site, but remediation measures are being implemented. They have made "steady progress" in their remediation measures, with a temporary bridge installed to support transport to and from the site. The company expects to resume operations soon and has resumed shipments to hospitals and dialysis patients. Baxter's international plants are also increasing production to meet the demand in the United States. The company expects to receive supplies from these facilities throughout October and plans to adjust the buying limits for customers based on inbound shipments within the next two weeks. Vizient, a health care performance improvement company serving more than 65% of America's acute care providers, has published a conservation guide to deal with IV fluid disruptions. The recommendations aim to help preserve existing inventories while ensuring safe patient care.

Bottom Line

The current IV fluid shortage in the United States is a serious concern that could potentially impact patient care. The American Hospital Association has called for a national emergency declaration and proposed several measures to address this issue. It's a situation that requires immediate attention and swift action to ensure the continuity of medical services. What are your thoughts on this issue? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.