New Postings on the Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch Blog
The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to discuss a variety of health policy developments, including the following:
- Health Reform Update. After devoting much of the last year to crafting comprehensive health reform legislation, the election of Republican Scott Brown in the Massachusetts special election to fill the late Senator Edward Kennedy’s seat has thrown into doubt the fate of these efforts. A number of options are under consideration to potentially advance health reform legislation, each of which has political challenges.
- President Obama Delivers State of the Union Address. On January 27, 2010, President Obama delivered his State of the Union address to Congress, in which he reaffirmed his commitment to enacting health reform legislation.
- Other Legislative Developments. On February 1, 2010, President Obama is scheduled to deliver his proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2011, which is likely to include proposals impacting federal health care policies. Several Congressional panels have scheduled hearings on the budget, including a hearing focusing on the health policy provisions.
- HHS Developments. CMS has announced its approval of three accreditation organizations for imaging suppliers, and it has released a transmittal highlights program integrity issues for Medicare contractors. HHS and DOJ are convening a “National Summit on Health Care Fraud.” HHS has released a variety of reports on state health information laws and policies. HRSA has published a final rule on National Practitioner Data Bank adverse action reporting
- OIG & GAO Developments. The HHS OIG has issued reports on documentation requirements for DME claims and Medicaid drug payment issues. A GAO report examines how CMS handles violations of Medicare Advantage marketing rules.
- Odds & Ends. MedPAC has voted on recommendations it will make to Congress regarding Medicare payment updates for 2011. The Federal Trade Commission has released a “staff study” entitled “Pay for Delay: How Drug Company Pay-Offs Cost Consumers Billions.”
- Health Industry Events. CMS is holding meetings on DMEPOS competitive bidding, applications for IPPS/HOPPS new medical service and technology payments, and HOPPS Ambulatory Payment Classification groups. The FDA is hosting meetings on incorporating new science into CDRH regulatory decisionmaking, and clinical trial requirements.
