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:
- President Obama Releases FY 2011 Budget Request. The Obama Administration has released its proposed federal budget for FY 2011. In its budget documents, the Administration reaffirms its commitment to enacting health reform legislation, and it addresses a number of other health policy initiatives.
- Legislative Developments. In an effort to jump-start progress on stalled health reform legislation, President Obama has invited Democratic and Republican lawmakers to a half-day, televised health reform summit on February 25, 2010. Separately, Congress has approved “PAYGO” budget rules that include funding for a Medicare physician fee schedule fix, and a bipartisan Senate jobs bill would extend a variety of expiring health policy provisions.
- Regulatory Developments. The Obama Administration has released regulations implementing the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. HHS published a notice announcing the adjusted Federal Medical Assistance Percentage rates for the first quarter of FY 2010.
- Other HHS Developments. Reed Smith reports on the National Summit on Health Care Fraud sponsored by HHS. CMS has rescinded its controversial DMEPOS "consignment closet" policy. CMS also has released new data on health spending growth in 2009, along with information on physician enrollment, off-label cancer drug use, and DMEPOS competitive bidding, and it is accepting recommendations for technical expert panel on ESRD quality measures. FDA has issued a number of guidance documents involving clinical trials and prescription drugs, and the agency has announced an initiative to protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure associated with medical imaging.
- OIG & GAO Developments. The GAO has issued a report assessing early implementation of the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005. The OIG has released several reports on Medicare reimbursement for Part B prescription drugs.
- Health Industry Events. CMS is holding educational calls and/or meetings on provider enrollment issues, DMEPOS competitive bidding, HOPPS Ambulatory Payment Classification groups, and the Part D prescription drug program. The FDA is hosting a meeting on clinical trial requirements.
