US: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a federal government COVID-19 vaccine mandate for most health care workers is allowed to take effect, coming down against Missouri and other states who sought to keep the rule blocked.
The High Court’s decision overturns rulings by two federal appeals courts in Missouri and Louisiana that blocked the mandate from going into effect in multiple states.
Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration shortly after the rule was published in November by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. Health care facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding from the Federal Government must enforce the rule, exempting workers with medical or religious reasons.
The Bench agreed with the Federal Government that it was within the Secretary of Health & Human Services’ power to issue the mandate.
“Ensuring that providers take steps to avoid transmitting a dangerous virus to their patients is consistent with the fundamental principle of the medical profession: first, do no harm,” the court’s opinion says.
Justices also wrote that the requirements fall in line with what is expected of health care facilities that receive federal funding.
Schmitt released a statement after the ruling was announced, indicating he plans to continue challenging the Biden administration on COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
“While we’re disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling on our lawsuit against the health care worker vaccine mandate, that fight is far from over, and the case is still ongoing,” Schmitt said in a statement. - NDTV
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