Veterans Choice Program extended
President Donald Trump has signed legislation (S. 544) extending the Veterans Choice Program, which had been set to expire in August. The AHA says the legislation allows the program to access nearly $1 billion remaining from its initial emergency appropriation, makes the Department of Veterans Affairs the primary payer under the program and allows the agency to share certain medical records with community providers.
Online tool offers comparison data on VA clinic wait times, hospital quality
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has released an online tool providing average wait times for primary and specialty care appointments at specific VA clinics.
The tool provides data related to how long patients are waiting to be seen in their VA facility and how veterans describe their experiences scheduling primary and specialty care.
DOJ issues new corporate compliance guidance
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued new guidance including sample questions the agency uses when evaluating the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs. In February, the DOJ's fraud section issued new corporate compliance guidance titled “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs.” The compliance program guidance is intended to provide more transparency about the use of so-called “Filip Factors” — 10 factors used by federal prosecutors in assessing charges with respect to compliance lapses.
Foundation seeks nominees for Future of Population Health Award
The Public Health Foundation (PHF) is seeking nominees for its 2017 Future of Population Health Award. The award recognizes exemplary practice by hospitals and health systems that are collaborating with public health departments and other community partners on health improvement strategies and implementation efforts.
Congress goes on recess with uncertainty about ACA and debt ceiling
The House is scheduled to wrap-up work today and the Senate is scheduled to depart later on Friday for...
Congress extends VA Choice program
With bipartisan support, the House of Representatives approved legislation (S. 544) extending the Veterans Choice Program on Wednesday following...
CMS revisiting guidance on “shared space” arrangements
In many South Dakota communities, hospitals have developed “shared space” arrangements with other providers, such as visiting specialists, to...
Final Rule Issued on Medicaid DSH Third-Party Payments
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the final rule that addresses how third-party payments are...
President’s executive order addresses opioid epidemic
President Trump signed an executive order this week to establish the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the...
What’s next after failed attempt to repeal and replace the ACA?
After seven years (and 50 votes) to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), House Republican leaders and President Trump last Friday decided to pull the American Health Care Act (AHCA) bill when efforts to garner the necessary 216 votes for passage could not be achieved. House caucus groups met Tuesday morning to regroup, reflect and prioritize their next steps related to the health care agenda.
