New Guidelines Released Concerning Treatment of Ebola Patients – In response to increasing concerns about the risk posed by Ebola to healthcare professionals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance on October 20, 2014, concerning the appropriate procedures for donning and removing personal protective equipment when treating Ebola patients. The CDC states that the newly-released guidance reflects lessons learned from the recent experiences of U.S. hospitals caring for Ebola patients and emphasizes the importance of training, practice, competence, and observation.
OMB Reviewing Final Rule Affecting DSH Payments –The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has begun its review of CMS-2315-F, which will finalize a revised definition of “uninsured” for purposes of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments. The proposed rule, published in the January 18, 2012 Federal Register, is available here.
The Joint Commission Adds Chapter on Safety to the Hospital Accreditation Manual – On October 20, 2014, The Joint Commission (TJC) announced the publication of the new “Patient Safety Systems” chapter in the 2015 Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals. TJC says, “[t]he purpose of the chapter is to inform and educate hospital leaders about the importance and structure of an integrated patient-centered system that aims to improve quality of care and patient safety.” TJC’s media release regarding the additional chapter is available here.
Potential Changes Regarding Reimbursement of Accountable Care Organizations –During a recent presentation on the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Proposed Rule, Sean Cavanaugh, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director, discussed the development of a proposed rule for the future of the MSSP and alluded to potential changes to payment models for ACOs. The transcript to the Brookings Institution’s seminar on “The State of Accountable Care: Evidence to Date and Next Steps” is available here.
OIG Advisory Opinion Concludes No Sanctions for Medigap Insurer’s Plan to Use Preferred Hospital Network –On October 21, 2014, the OIG released an advisory opinion declining to impose civil monetary penalties on a Medicare Supplemental Health Insurance – or Medigap – insurer that planned to discount inpatient hospital deductibles through a preferred hospital network. The OIG’s advisory opinion is available here. To learn more background regarding a similar OIG opinion released in August, read the September 2, 2014 King & Spalding Health Headline regarding “OIG Advisory Opinion Approves Medigap Insurer’s Plan to Use Preferred Hospital Network.”
