Hospital group urges Biden to declare IV shortage 'national emergency:'

From Becker's:

The American Hospital Association  called on President Biden to declare the current intravenous IV solution shortage a national emergency in an Oct. 7 news release, citing significant challenges for healthcare providers across the U.S. 

The action follows the closure of the Deerfield, Ill.-based Baxter International plant in Marion, N.C., due to storm damage in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Baxter has historically produced about 60% of North America's IV solutions, or around 1.5 million bags daily. The closure has already led to substantial shortages, affecting patient care. 

In a letter addressed to the president, AHA President Richard Pollack outlined a number of recommendations. 

The AHA urged the administration to direct the FDA to declare a shortage of sterile IV solutions, enabling flexibilities for healthcare providers, including allowing hospitals to prepare the solutions in house and facilitate distribution.