Sharis Pozen, chief of staff of the DOJ’s antitrust division, told the subcommittee that the department “intends to offer whatever guidance and clarity may be needed to ensure that providers pursue beneficial integrated ACOs without running afoul of the antitrust laws,” according to the report.
The Federal Trade Commission, which also oversees antitrust issues, has not updated its guidance on physician organizations for 14 years. The FTC has said it is open to updating the guidelines in light of the passing of a health reform law that emphasizes clinical integration.
A specific date for receiving updated guidance was not given.
Read the Bloomberg report on ACO antitrust issues.
Read more coverage on ACO antitrust issues:
– Hospital Mergers and ACO Collaboration Leaves Consumers Concerned About Cost
– FTC Committed to Making ACOs Work
– 7 Thoughts on How Antitrust Laws Could be Changed to Accommodate ACOs
