The U.S Department of Health and Human Services has released a plan for the retrospective review of regulations that could potentially be streamlined or removed altogether for being overly burdensome, reports AHA News Now.
The initiative was ordered by the Obama administration earlier this year for all federal agencies, in response to political pressures about making government smaller and more responsive.
Included in the process will be the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which will review the conditions of participation it imposes on hospitals.
"Most of the existing hospital requirements have grown up over decades, reflecting new legislation, changes in technology or medical practice, and evolution of the health delivery system," HHS said in its review plan. "While each of these requirements reflects concerns for improving patient safety or solving problems, their cumulative effect may actually increase burdens on hospitals and healthcare providers, thereby increasing inefficiency and risk in providing good patient care."
HHS also noted that CMS would review the process by which it recoups and charges interest for overpayments to states and providers.
To learn more:
- read the AHA News Now article
- read the HHS proposal