The Reed Smith Health Industry Washington Watch blog has been updated to report on recent health policy developments, including the following:

• Regulatory Developments. The Obama Administration has published final mental health/substance abuse parity regulations, along with corrections to an ACA benefit and payment parameter rule and a notice soliciting nominations for the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment.
• Other HHS Developments.  The Obama Administration will grandfather certain health insurance policies cancelled under ACA rules, and it has released initial health insurance marketplace enrollment numbers.  CMS has announced the implementation date for “Phase 2” ordering/referral denial edits, the names of Medicare DMEPOS bidding Round 1 Recompete contract suppliers, updated “Sunshine Act” reporting thresholds, guidance on the hospital admissions “two-midnight” policy, and the launch of its Virtual Research Data Center. The OIG has examined inappropriate Medicare payments on behalf of deceased or unlawfully-present beneficiaries.
• Legislative Developments. The House has scheduled a vote on the “Keep Your Health Plan Act.” Congressional hearings continue to focus on HealthCare.gov enrollment and other health policy issues. Congress has taken action on the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act, and the Children’s Hospital GME Support Reauthorization Act. Key House and Senate panels have unveiled a bipartisan, bicameral SGR reform plan. The CBO has presented to Congress a number of health-related budget options.
• Health Industry Events. CMS is hosting calls on LTCH quality reporting, the Medicare IVIG Demonstration, the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes, and provider/supplier access to PECOS, the EHR Incentive Program, and NPPES.