CMS Releases HAC Data for FY 2016, Showing More Payment Reductions – On December 10, 2015, CMS published quality measure scores related to hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) for hospitals participating in the HAC Reduction Program.  CMS noted that 758 hospitals, or 22.9 percent of participating hospitals, ranked in the worst-performing quartile.  As required by Section 3008 of the Affordable Care Act, CMS will reduce the overall Medicare inpatient payment to these hospitals by 1 percent.  Last year, 21.9 percent of hospitals ranked in the worst-performing quartile.  CMS’s fact sheet accompanying the data release is available here. 

CMS Expands Quality Performance Data For Consumer Use – On December 10, 2015 CMS updated data of quality measures on the Physician Compare and Hospital Compare websites in order to enhance the online tools used by consumers in selecting Accountable Care Organizations, hospitals, health care professionals and group practices.  CMS’s press release regarding the updated quality metrics is available here.

King & Spalding Healthcare Roundtable Regarding Physician Peer Review – On December 16, 2015, King & Spalding will host a Healthcare Roundtable titled, “When Worlds Collide: Balancing the Responsibilities of the MEC and HR in Physician Peer Review.” The Roundtable will discuss the separate roles and responsibilities of the hospital’s human resources department and its medical staff, preserving the employment and independent contractor status of physicians, laws applicable to the peer review process and the rights of employees, and dealing with aging and disruptive physicians. The Roundtable will take place in the Atlanta office of King & Spalding and is also available as a webinar. More information and registration options are available here.