Managing Your Practice

CMA's Regulations Quick List (2010.07.13)

CMA's Regulations Quick List provides a summary and current status of significant regulations followed by CMA's Center for Medical & Regulatory Policy. The Quick List is circulated regularly on a monthly basis or more frequently, as needed. For more information on a specific regulatory package, please contact the appropriate staff member identified at the end of each regulation summary by email or by calling (916) 444-5532.

[Note: See bottom for state and federal regulations rulemaking processes.]

CMA Regulations of Interest

CMS Issues Final Meaningful Use Definition (2010.07.13)

On Tuesday morning, July 13, 2010, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services released the final rule laying out the definition of “meaningful use” of an electronic health record (EHR) system. Medicare and Medi-Cal physicians who demonstrate “meaningful use” of EHRs will qualify for federal EHR incentive payments.

While the rule is final, it has not yet been noticed in the Federal Register. It will take effect 60 days after that notice.

Contract Amendments: An Action Guide for Physicians

California law prohibits unilateral amendments to both HMO and PPO agreements, unless the amendment is necessary to comply with state or federal law, regulations, or accreditation requirements. Furthermore, California law only allows a material amendment by the plan where there is prior notice and the physician has the right to terminate the agreement prior to the change becoming effective. Physicians are encouraged to carefully review all proposed amendments to health plan or medical group/IPA contracts.

New Physician Signage Regs Take Effect June 27, 2010: Resources for Compliance

(June 01, 2010)

Effective June 27, 2010, California physicians are required to inform their patients that they are licensed by the Medical Board of California, and to provide patients with the board's contact information.

Federal EHR Certification Rule

Background

In order to receive electronic health record (EHR) incentive payments under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“ARRA” or the “Stimulus Bill”), physicians will have to demonstrate “meaningful use” of a “certified” EHR system.

Medicare Payment Rule Implements Key Provisions of Reform Law

July 1, 2010

Given the new direction for the nation’s health system, AMA has developed Health System Reform Insight to help you understand the health system reform legislation and what it means to you and your patients.

New 2011 Medicare Payment Rule Implements Key Provisions of Reform Law

CMA ON-CALL Document #1250, "Ten Strategies to Protect Quality Through Medical Staff Self-Governance"

Medical staff self-governance is a vital part of the carefully crafted system designed to ensure the delivery of quality patient care. This system recognizes that the hospital's medical staff is the only body with the medical expertise and daily experience unique to a particular hospital necessary to conduct the quality assurance activities integral to patient safety.