Inadequacy of current screening measures for health-related social needs

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), along with standard-setting organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and The Joint Commission, established new quality measures aimed at promoting health equity. Many of these measures center around screening patients for health-related social needs (HRSN). For example, starting in 2024 CMS will require HRSN screening during adult hospitalizations. There is an indisputable connection between social factors (eg, low food security, housing instability), structural racism, poverty, and health. 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.