AMA: Surprise Surveys Improve Mortality Rates
A new AMA study found that patients are less likely to die if they are treated on the same day as a surprise Joint Commission survey.
By Law, Hospitals Now Must Tell Medicare Patients When Care is ‘Observation’ Only
Under a new federal law, hospitals across the country must now alert Medicare patients when they are getting observation care and why they were not admitted — even if they stay in the hospital a few nights.
Joint Commission To Check For FDA Powdered Glove Ban Compliance
The Joint Commission surveyors will now check hospitals to see if they are compliant with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) ban on powdered medical gloves.
Former FDA Chief Cites 5 Things To Watch On Drug Approvals and Keeping Drugs Safe
The just-departed commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration has concerns about plans to speed up drug approvals and dramatically reduce regulations at the agency, as advocated recently by President Donald Trump.
Joint Commission Clarifies Stance on Texting Patient Orders
In early January, The Joint Commission further clarified its position on the texting of patient orders between healthcare staff and rescinded approval to transmit patient orders through text messaging.
Trump: For Every New Healthcare Regulation, Two Must Be Removed
On January 30, President Trump signed a new executive order declaring a “one-in, two-out” rule for healthcare regulations. Under the executive order, for a new healthcare regulation to be implemented two older regulations will have to be eliminated.
Finalized MACRA Rule Ties Quality Measurements to Value-Based Payments
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) institutes new regulations that will bolster CMS’ Quality Payment Program by rewarding value through Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APM) and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).
USP<800>: Protecting Healthcare Workers From Hazardous Drugs
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 8 million American healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs each year.
New Year, New Debate on Repealing ACA
With yesterday (Jan. 3) being the first day the new Republican-controlled Congress convenes, many senators and representatives are already looking into how to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Ambulatory Surgery Centers Survey Process Changes
Starting January 1, 2017, two-thirds of ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) using the Medicare-deemed option may receive adjustments to their Joint Commission survey team structure and survey length.