# The MEDS Act Explained

The MEDS Act is a bill that would prevent the Department of Health and Human Services from considering race, color, ethnicity, or national origin when distributing medical treatments, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, contracts, or other health programs. In practical terms, it would prohibit the federal government from giving preferential treatment to any racial or ethnic group when deciding who gets access to these medical resources or who receives government health contracts and funding.

The bill also extends this restriction to states, territories, and private organizations that receive federal health funding. If a hospital, clinic, or health organization gets money from a federal health program, they would be prohibited from considering race or ethnicity in how they distribute treatments or run their programs. This means that any organization receiving federal health dollars couldn't use race-based criteria in their decision-making, even if they believed such criteria would help address health disparities in certain communities.

The bill creates a legal pathway for people who believe they've been discriminated against under these rules. If someone thinks they were treated unfairly based on their race or ethnicity in connection with federal health programs, they could sue in federal court. If they win their case, they could recover attorney's fees from the government or the organization involved. The bill also makes clear that people could pursue other legal remedies available under existing state or federal law in addition to this new lawsuit option.

MEDS Act

Tiffany, Thomas P.

Medical Equality and Discrimination Stoppage Act or the MEDS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from discriminating against or providing preferential treatment to any person or group on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. The prohibitions also apply to the administration of HHS programs, including HHS-funded programs administered by states, territories, and private entities. An individual aggrieved by conduct prohibited under the bill may commence a civil action in the appropriate U.S. district court to obtain relief.