CMS Now Requires Hospitals to Implement Antibiotic Stewardship Programs
In an effort to address the high number of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions issued annually, CMS now mandates that all hospitals implement antibiotic stewardship programs.
CMS No Longer Requires ASCs to Have Written Agreements to Transfer Patients
CMS's new "Regulatory Provisions to Promote Program Efficiency, Transparency and Burden Reduction" rule no longer requires ASCs to have a written agreement to transfer patients.
CMS to Enforce Hand Hygiene Guidelines in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Infection transmission in healthcare facilities is strongly associated with poor hand hygiene. Starting this year, CMS surveyors will issue citations when they observe any ambulatory surgery center employee failing to follow proper hand hygiene protocol.
Inflation Adjustments Increase Civil Monetary Penalties Imposed by HHS
Healthcare facilities and providers are encouraged to review the updated list of penalties for compliance purposes.