Hospitals need “user-friendly, officially backed guidance that clearly explains to caregivers what issues they must resolve to embark on a clinical integration program without violating antitrust laws,” said AHA General Counsel Melinda Hatton.
The AHA also urged the Department of Justice to target anticompetitive practices by health insurers. Ms. Hatton said health insurers “have not faced nearly as much public antitrust scrutiny and oversight” as hospitals.
At the same meeting, the a representative from the Department of Justice said it would expedite its review of antitrust issues for ACOs.
Read the Hill report on accountable care organizations.
Read more coverage of ACOs and possible antitrust violations:
– 7 Thoughts on How Antitrust Laws Could be Changed to Accommodate ACOs
