March 21, 2017: CMS Effective Date for Cardiac-Related Episode Payment Models & Joint Bundle Expansion
CMS delayed the mandatory cardiac care bundle and expansion of the hip-and-knee replacement bundle effective date from February 18, 2017 until March 21, 2017 under the regulatory freeze ordered by the Trump Administration on January 20, 2017. However, as confirmed by HHS, program elements Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and Surgical Hip and Femur Fracture Treatment (SHFFT) models are slated to begin on July 1, 2017 as scheduled if no further action is taken. Upon review, it is possible that the Administration may enact, delay, amend, or withdraw the EPM rule in its entirety. For more information, read the updated Final Rule Overview from the CMS Innovation Center’s recent February 22 webinar. Also, check back for updates as we monitor coverage.
Updated as of March 21, 2017 – Delay of Effective Date: CMS has postponed the implementation of the new EPMs from July 1 to October 2017, providing the new CMS leadership time to review the new models and seek comment about possibly delaying the start of the bundles until January 1, 2018.
“Given the need for advanced notice of the terms of the models by participants, and the fact that the episodes in the models involved exceed 90 days in duration, we believe that immediately moving the start date of the model to October 1, 2017 is appropriate,” said CMS. “[W]e seek comment on a longer delay of the applicability (model start) date, including to January 1, 2018, and we will address these comments and effectuate any additional delay in the model start date when we finalize this IFC [interim final rule with comment period].”
March 29 – April 1, 2017: American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) Annual Meeting 2017 – “50 Years of Inspiring Leaders”
AONE provides nurse leader education programs for executives, directors, managers and clinical leaders. Topics range from health care finance, CENP and CNML review courses, shared governance and emerging leader competencies. AONE’s annual meeting has over 50 concurrent sessions as well as multiple nationally known keynote speakers. Continuing education credits is available for most AONE programs.
In collaboration with the American Hospital Association, AONE ensures the perspective and needs of nurse leaders are heard and addressed in public policy issues related to nursing and patient care. The organization’s advocacy activities include the federal legislative and regulatory arenas, as well as promoting the value of nursing leadership and its invaluable contribution to the greater health care team in pursuit of quality patient care.
naviHealth will join Cardinal Health at this year’s annual event in Baltimore, Maryland. Be sure to stop by the Cardinal Health booth to see the future of care transitions with naviHealth.
