Hospital-at-home care is facing significant challenges in managing medical waste, as existing disposal regulations do not fully apply to at-home settings. Healthcare professionals report difficulties with proper waste management, which raises safety concerns for patients and caregivers. As the model continues to grow, there is a pressing need for proactive regulation and effective waste disposal solutions.

• 373 hospitals were approved for hospital-at-home programs as of January 2023, showing rapid growth of a model with no matching waste rules.
• A 2023 report found managing pharmaceutical and medical waste was healthcare workers' top concern in home care, with most wanting more resources to handle it.
• Patients themselves are often left responsible for disposing of hazardous items like sharps and pharmaceuticals, since hospital-grade disposal regulations don't apply at home.
• A 2024 CMS study found at-home care much cheaper than hospital care, fueling calls for investment in a "reverse supply chain" to safely collect and process medical waste from homes.