Health Industry Washington Watch : Washington DC Healthcare Industry Law Firm : Reed Smith : Health Industry Washington Watch : Regulations, Medicare/Medicaid, Governmental Organizations

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The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to discuss a variety of health policy developments, including the following:

• Legislative Developments. Three Congressional panels have now approved versions of comprehensive health reform bills, although delays in Senate Finance Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee consideration have pushed back the schedule for floor votes. In other health policy legislative news, the House of Representatives has approved the HHS funding bill for FY 2010, and a number of Congressional panels have scheduled hearings and markups, including Senate committee vote on whistleblower protection legislation.
• Regulatory Developments. CMS has issued a proposed rule on improper Medicaid and CHIP payments, and the agency is considering changes to the hospital cost report. CMS also is soliciting proposals for private, for-profit Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly demonstration projects.
• Other HHS Developments. CMS has expanded the information on its Hospital Compare Web site, and it has released an educational article identifying steps suppliers should take in preparation for the upcoming Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding. The FDA has published a final rule on new drug application reporting requirements, along with a number of draft and final guidance documents and “frequently asked question” documents.
• Odds & Ends. The OIG has issued reports on power wheelchair claims, ultrasound services, Part D drug information, and clinical laboratory payments. The GAO has issued a report on FDA medical product program funding. MedPAC has released its June 2009 Data Book, and the AHRQ has announced the availability of funding for the development of a clinical registry of orthopedic devices, drugs, and procedures.
• Looking Ahead. Upcoming health industry events include a meeting of the Advisory Panel on Ambulatory Payment Classification Groups and an FDA Workshop on prescription drug risk information.