Here are five recent legislative changes that affect ASCs.
MedPAC proposes eliminating ASC payment updates in 2017
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission may eliminate payment updates for ASCs in 2017. The agency approved a recommendation to eliminate ASC payment updates next year and recommendations that ASCs report data. MedPAC recommended updating inpatient and outpatient hospital payments in 2017, projected at 1.75 percent.
Washington Senate passes legislation protecting outpatient centers from inflation
The Washington Senate passed a bill preventing the state from increasing fees on outpatient surgery centers above the inflation rate. The bill also states outpatient facilities can only be inspected once every 18 months.
Legislation for extended ASC stays introduced in Florida again
Legislators proposed Florida House Bill 85 and Florida Senate Bill 212, which would allow ASCs to keep patients up to 24 hours. The bill also would enable the creation of 72-hour stay recovery care centers.
Bill requiring international background checks on physicians and surgeons moves forward
The Senate Health and Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approval a bill that will mandate international background checks for all applicants looking to practice medicine or surgery in New Jersey. Legislators proposed the bill in response to a case where a physician was convicted of manslaughter in the United Kingdom, but later began practicing in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania bill could protect healthcare workers from assaults
Pennsylvania's House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would make assault on healthcare workers a felony. The House unanimously passed the will with a vote of 117 to 0.
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