Here are 11 legal and regulatory updates for ASCs to know:
North Carolina legislators are attempting to increase competition in the state by reforming certificate-of-need laws around ASCs.
An appeals court in Iowa is examining a case brought by two physicians who argue that the state's CON laws are unconstitutional and protect existing outpatient surgical facilities while stymying potential competitors.
The American Gastroenterological Association voiced support for CMS' proposed updates to Stark self-referral and anti-kickback statutes. CMS proposed granting exceptions to certain entities, potentially allowing more providers to participate in value-based care.
In South Dakota, an amendment that would require nurse anesthetists to collaborate with a specified type of healthcare professional, including a physician, was sent to the governor Feb. 21.
Legislation being considered in Virginia would authorize nurse anesthetists to have prescriptive authority for Schedule II-VIV controlled substances limited to periprocedural care, under physician supervision and to the extent the supervising physician approves. The bills haven't yet been sent to the governor.
West Virginia is considering a bill that would authorize nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia in cooperation with a physician and would remove the presence/supervision requirement.
Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that primarily addresses physician presence requirements but would continue requiring physician supervision or direction.
In Ohio and Oklahoma, physicians and nurse anethetists have agreed to compromise on the language in proposed bills regarding expanded authority for nurse anesthetists.
The Idaho legislature is considering a bill that would allow optometrists to perform three additional procedures independently after a period of supervision.
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address Feb 4., criticizing proposals for a single-payer system while highlighting his efforts around price transparency and pharmaceutical pricing.
Colorado could soon require insurers to cover colorectal cancer screening costs beginning at age 45 instead of 50.