Update to Stark Law coming later this year, CMS chief says

As providers and payers continue to embrace value-based care over fee-for-service arrangements, CMS Administrator Seema Verma argues changes must be made to the Stark Law.

Advertisement

The Stark Law was implemented to reduce physician conflicts of interest, but “in a system where we’re paying for value, where the provider, ideally, is taking on some risk for outcomes and cost overruns, we don’t have nearly as much need to interfere with who’s getting paid for what service,” said Ms. Verma.

“We are actively working on an update to our Stark regulations to be issued later this year. Some of the changes include clarifying the regulatory definitions of volume or value, commercial reasonableness and fair market value; addressing issues such as lack of signature, incorrect dates or other areas of technical noncompliance; and updating the regulation to address a world in which there are cybersecurity and electronic health records requirements,” said Ms. Verma.

These changes would be the most significant alterations to the law since its 1989 inception.

More articles on legal and regulatory issues:

Anthem accused of sending massive checks to patients to force providers in network
Former Mayo Clinic employee faces 10 felony charges for alleged theft
13 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Legal & Regulatory Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.