CMS has issued a statement to healthcare providers regarding the ongoing BD BACTEC blood culture media shortage, which is expected to continue late into the year.
CMS said it recognizes the effect the shortage may have on quality measurements, which in turn may influence Hospital Star Ratings and other value-based programs, according to an Aug. 16 statement.
The agency said it will analyze data as it becomes available to "assess for potential reliability or validity issues or other data discrepancies" that may affect quality measures.
In addition, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said the agency is working with the FDA to "accelerate rapid resolution of the shortage" by meeting with alternative suppliers and expediting a shelf-life extension review, according to a statement released Aug. 16.
Both agencies expressed the need for healthcare providers to implement conservation strategies and pointed to FDA and CDC guidance.
Earlier this month, representatives from Renton, Wash.-based Providence and New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health spoke to Becker's about how their systems were handling the shortage.
For example, Michelle Bösewicht, chief administrative officer of system lab services at Providence, said the health system had experienced some effects of the shortage but pivoted quickly to implement conservation measures.