A Supreme Court ruling, expected by the end of June 2025, appears poised to extend state tax exemptions to religiously affiliated organizations like Catholic Charities. This decision, which critics warn could jeopardize unemployment benefits and worker protections, may set a precedent impacting Catholic-affiliated healthcare systems including Catholic Health Services.

An account in a recent MSNBC article recounts that a trans man was denied gender-affirming surgery at a Catholic hospital, a facility associated with Catholic Health Services, raising concerns about discriminatory healthcare practices based on religious affiliation.

The article highlights how adherence to the Ethical and Religious Directives in Catholic hospitals restricts access to medically indicated reproductive procedures, delaying or denying necessary care. This policy, which underpins many Catholic health systems, negatively impacts patient outcomes and reinforces a system that prioritizes outdated religious morals over evidence‐based medicine.

The lobbying profile from OpenSecrets indicates that Catholic Health Assn of the US (associated with Catholic Health Services) spent $210,731 on lobbying activities in 2023. This event raises concerns over the use of corporate influence to sway public policy.

On November 8, the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance, affiliated with Catholic Health Services, announced the formation of the Institute for Public Policy and Advocacy. The new unit is set to lobby on issues of healthcare policy and religious conscience rights, positioning itself in debates over abortion and gender-related healthcare practices.

A labor union representing healthcare workers has submitted nearly 2,700 staffing complaints to the state Health Department against Catholic Health Services, alleging inadequate staffing levels and related labor issues that may compromise both worker well-being and patient care.

Catholic Health Services, as part of a network of nearly 600 Catholic hospitals, has been part of an agreement with labor unions to establish fair bargaining principles and eliminate aggressive anti‐union tactics. The accord emphasizes respectful treatment, access to information, and guaranteed worker rights to organize, marking a progressive step towards improved labor relations in Catholic healthcare.

The CHA advocacy overview highlights efforts to shape federal legislation and policies to bolster the viability of the Catholic health ministry and promote a more just, compassionate health care system that benefits marginalized communities.

The 2020 Gaudium et Spes Labor Report by the Catholic Labor Network revealed that over 600 Catholic institutions, including many in the healthcare sector, have achieved increased union representation. This development is seen as a positive move towards enhancing worker rights and aligning labor practices with Catholic social teaching, which contrasts with more secular approaches.

Catholic Health Services of Long Island agreed to pay a $2.35M settlement following allegations of kickbacks involving questionable financial relationships, including excess remuneration to medical practices and physician leadership. The settlement, disclosed by Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, highlights unethical business practices under investigation by federal regulators.