Here are seven things ASC leaders should know for May 15, 2017.
ASCA board elects Lisa Austin, Jennifer Butterfield as new members
The Ambulatory Surgery Center Association elected two new board members — Lisa Austin, RN, and Jennifer Butterfield, RN, BSN. Ms. Austin is the vice president of facility development for Evergreen, Colo.-based Pinnacle III. Ms. Butterfield is the CEO and administrator for, National Surgical Healthcare—Lakes Surgery Center in Detroit They were both elected to three-year terms. ASCA re-elected four additional members.
New CMS rule wants to increase ACA exchange participation
CMS issued a final rule aimed at stabilizing the individual and small group insurance markets for the 2018 coverage year. The rule changes several standards. CMS will shorten the open enrollment period and will fully enforce the pre-enrollment verification. The agency will allow insurers to collect payments from beneficiaries with outstanding balances.
Anthem terminates merger with Cigna — Refuses to pay breakup fee
Anthem terminated its potential merger with Cigna on May 12 following a May 11 ruling by the Delaware Court of Chancery denying Anthem's preliminary injunction request. In the release, Anthem alleges Cigna "failed to perform and comply in all material respects with its contractual obligations." Citing that, Anthem is refusing to pay the merger termination fee.
93% of RNs satisfied with career
A new Medscape report found although registered nurses are happy with their career choice, many suffer from fatigue. Ninety-three percent said they were satisfied with their career choice. Ninety-eight reported their job is physically and mentally demanding. At the day's end, 93 percent said they feel mentally and/or physically tired.
Willmar Medical Services breaks ground on new ASC in Minnesota
Willmar (Minn.) Medical Services broke ground on a new outpatient surgery center. A joint venture between Willmar-based Rice Memorial Hospital and Willmar-based Affiliated Community Medical Centers, Willmar Medical Services officially began work on the new $11 million ASC.
Trump administration extends deadline by 3 years to meet Medicaid's standards of care
The Trump administration said states have until 2022 to adhere to Medicaid's standards of care. The extension gives states more time to launch plans to help elderly and disabled people receive Medicaid services without requiring them to go into nursing homes.
66% of physicians have negative impression of American Health Care Act
Many physicians do not view the American Health Care Act, the Republican healthcare bill, favorably, according to a Merritt Hawkins survey. Twenty-six percent reported having a positive impression. Sixty-six percent said they viewed the law negatively.