CMS Updates Interpretive Guidelines on Advance Directives for Surgery Centers

Laura Dyrda -

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated interpretive guidelines to CMS State survey agencies and regional offices, including updates for ambulatory surgery centers in advance directives, according to a report from the California Ambulatory Surgery Association.

The updated guideline interpretation states, "A blanket statement of refusal by the ASC to comply with any patient advance directive is not permissible. However, if and to the extent permitted under state law, the ASC may decline to implement elements of an advanced directive on the basis of conscience or any other reason permitted under state law if it includes the information concerning its advance directive policies a clear and precise statement of limitation."

ASCs are still allowed to refuse to honor advance directives, according to the report.

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