CMS has released a final rule on the implementation of new patient safety regulations included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Hospitals with more than 50 beds that contract with qualified health plans offered through the health insurance exchanges must comply with three requirements starting Jan. 1, 2015. First, the hospital must use a patient safety evaluation system as described in the Public Health Service Act. Second, the hospital must have mechanisms in place to ensure comprehensive discharge planning. Finally, in order to contract with qualified health plans, hospitals need to implement any quality improvement mechanisms required by HHS.
According to the final rule, hospitals will also need to join patient safety organizations, although that regulation won't take effect until at least 2017.
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