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

• Regulatory Developments. The OIG and CMS have extended fraud and abuse waivers in connection with the Medicare Shared Savings Program. CMS also published a rule on the ACA Basic Health Program, and CMS is expected to publish several major final 2015 Medicare payment rules in the coming days. Recent CMS notices have addressed clinical diagnostic lab tests and Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts for 2015. The HHS Office for Human Research Protections issued guidance on disclosing risks in standards of care research, and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology is inviting applications for a “Market R&D Pilot Challenge. Reed Smith has released a client alert on the “OIG Proposed Rule to Amend the Anti-Kickback Safe Harbors, CMP Rules on Beneficiary Inducements & Gainsharing Regulations.”
• Other HHS Developments. CMS has posted preliminary determinations for new 2015 clinical laboratory fee schedule codes. CMS also has announced new innovation initiatives, including the Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative and the Accountable Care Organization Investment Model. CMS has released Medicare Advantage/Part D drug plan quality data, and it is requesting suggestions for future physician quality measures. CMS also has issued updates regarding the Sunshine Act “Open Payments” system and its Medicare appeals administrative agreement opportunity.  CDC has released several guidance documents on management of Ebola patients. The OIG has issued a report on Medicare beneficiary copayment costs for outpatient services provided at critical access hospitals.
• Health Industry Events. CMS is hosting calls on inpatient rehabilitation facility quality reporting and transitioning to ICD-10. The HHS Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals is holding a second Medicare Appellant Forum. Congressional panels are reviewing the government response to the Ebola outbreak.
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