ASA Opposes Changes to CMS Surgery Center Emergency Equipment List, Expansion of Practitioner Scope of Practice

The American Society of Anesthesiologists has formally addressed CMS' proposed rule changes related to hospital conditions of participation and ASC equipment, according to an ASA release.

ASA strongly urged CMS to remove the proposal that would allow physicians and non-physician providers to obtain hospital privileges without becoming a member of the medical staff. The ASA believes the hospital medical staff is the most qualified body to determine the qualifications required of providers to safely treat patients in the hospital.

The ASA also expressed concern over a proposal to expand the types of practitioners who may administer drugs and biologics. The society pointed out that the CDC attributes 15,000 deaths a year to overdoses of opioids, with nearly all cases originating from prescriptions rather than pharmacy thefts.

The ASA also opposed removing the list of emergency equipment in ASCs required by CMS Conditions for Coverage. ASA offered additional equipment that should be included in the list.

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