MAASC NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

Chapter 305 of Acts of 2008, “An Act to Promote Cost Containment, Transparency and Efficiency in the Delivery of Health Care” required state licensure, and a Determination of Need Certificate, for freestanding physician owned ASC’s.  The MAASC has worked closely with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to implement the provisions of Chapter 305.  

DPH Licensure of Clinics regulations can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/regs/105cmr140.pdf 

Determination of Need (DoN) Regulations can be found at:  http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/regs/105cmr100.pdf

The MAASC has been active on a Taskforce to update DoN regulations and guidelines for ASC’s.  Final recommendations and proposed amendments are expected in late 2009.  Chapter 305 also requires ASC’s to report track and report Serious Reportable Events (SRE’s) and Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI’s).  Again, the MAASC is working with DPH on regulations to implement these provisions.

POLICY/LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Payment Reform is a hot topic in Massachusetts.  The Special Commission on Payment Reform, also created by Chapter 305, recommends transitioning from fee-for-service to a global payment system implemented through Accountable Care Organizations (ACO’s). 

The MAASC has closely monitored the Commission meetings and is busy analyzing the final recommendations to determine the impact on MAASC members. 

A copy of the Special Commission on Payment Reform Recommendations can be found at:

http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dhcfp/pc/Final_Report/Final_Report.pdf 

Legislative hearings on the recommendations began in early fall, 2009.  Based on the input from health care providers and other stakeholders, legislation will be drafted and is expected to be released sometime in early 2010.

Lastly, we would like to enlist the support of all MAASC members in an important task over the next year - increase the number of surgery centers that are members of MAASC . We are proud of our increase in membership over the last few years.  Despite this growth (thanks to you!!) we need to reach the other freestanding ASC’s not actively involved in the MAASC.  The MAASC’s efforts benefit all freestanding surgicenters in Massachusetts – all should be members of the MAASC. 

So stay tuned and stay active.  The MAASC needs you!