The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a final rule Safeguarding the Rights of Conscience as Protected by Federal Statutes on January 11, 2024. Here is a link to the OCR fact sheet.
The rule clarifies that OCR is the designated office to receive, handle, and investigate complaints relating to the federal health care conscience protection statutes. The rule updates and sets out OCR's enforcement process. It also encourages covered health care entities to post a notice that informs patients and providers of their rights under the federal health care conscience protection statutes and informs patients of alternative treatment options. Model text for the notice is included in the appendix to the rule. The rule is effective March 11, 2024.