A new report, from a National Quality Forum (NQF) 25-person technical expert panel, provides insight on how quality measures can be combined in a system to improve health outcomes and drive high-value care for all.

In this second report on the topic, the agency describes three findings: there is no systematic or standard collection of social risk data; dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid remains a predictor of poor outcomes; and there are limited efforts to identify effective and scalable interventions.

The new guidelines reflect revised conditions of participation in the September 2019 discharge planning and burden reduction final rules.

The report is based on feedback gathered during a September listening session, in which more than 300 stakeholders shared recommendations for improving predictability, stability, and relevance of star ratings.

Applications for the new payment models are due to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Jan. 22, 2020.

The report includes recommendations on several issues of importance to essential hospitals, including hospital inpatient and outpatient services, hospital quality incentive programs, and alternatives to opioids.

The agency posted potential changes to the star ratings program for public comment, including potential hospital peer grouping.

The proposed rule reflects the agency’s broader strategy to relieve regulatory burden, support state flexibility, and promote transparency and innovation in the delivery of care. We encourage all members to review the proposed rule, give us feedback, and submit your own comments to CMS.

The agency seeks stakeholder feedback on two disparity methods measuring patient outcomes based on social risk factors; comments are due Dec. 14.

The hospital-specific reports, available for download through Sept. 24, use dual eligibility as the social risk factor for stratification of readmission rates within a hospital and enable comparison of differences across hospitals.

The new model would allow providers to contract directly with patients, rather than contracting with Medicare or private insurers; comments are due May 25.

CMS is seeking broad feedback on a new direction for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, with increased emphasis on patient-centered care and market-based reforms.

In response to a proposed annual update to the Quality Payment Program, America’s Essential Hospitals offered recommendations related to the merit-based incentive payment system.

Aids provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services include fact sheets and overview documents, lists of alternative payment models, webinars and other educational tools, and support contacts.

The bill is a step toward expanding Project ECHO, an innovative “hub and spoke” education model created at association member University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

These long-term HCBS services and supports are critical to ensure people can remain in their homes and communities as they receive treatment.

With the opportunities, clinicians potentially could earn a 5 percent incentive payment for a growing list of alternative payment models in 2017 and 2018.

The House could vote on 21st Century Cures legislation as early as next week, health committees focus on 9/11 compensation and health information exchange.

Proposed rule would better align regulations with those for commercial, health insurance marketplace, and Medicare Advantage plans

In a new policy brief, America's Essential Hospitals describes how billions of dollars in reductions to Medicaid and Medicare funding threaten care at essential hospitals.

Document, developed by association's policy advisory committee, demonstrates essential hospitals' commitment to and promotion of care equity, and supports risk adjustment for sociodemographic status in certain quality improvement measures

Applications are due by Jan. 6, 2015.

Association develops entitlement reform principles to guide possible future discussions around changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs.