In response to an increase in health care associated infections and the

growing number of procedures being performed at ASCs, the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a new ASC survey process

that is being rolled out in 12 states. Maryland, Michigan, Maine, New Jersey,

North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Indiana, Florida and

Kansas have all volunteered to implement the new survey process. As a result,

more than 125 Medicare participating ASCs will be surveyed before

September 30, 2009. This will affect any Medicare certified ASC, including

freestanding, multi-specialty ASCs as well as an ASC that may be established

alongside a medical office.