The law requires ASCs to disclose to all patients what lifesaving measures they offer when a patient is undergoing surgery and experiences a medical crisis.
Reuben’s Rules is named after Reuben Van Veldhuizen, a child in Oskaloosa, Iowa, who died during a routine procedure at an ASC.
“We want people to know, when you go to a surgery center, there’s things that are different there than when you go to a hospital, what they can do and what they can’t do,” Scott Van Veldhuizen, Reuben’s father, told The Clinton Herald.
The law also requires that all ASCs inform patients how close they are to the nearest hospital, along with what lifesaving measures the ASC is equipped for.
“Most people don’t realize the difference between an ambulatory surgical center and a hospital,” Iowa State Rep. Holly Brink, an advocate for Reuben’s Rules, told The Clinton Herald. “When you hear ‘ambulatory surgical center,’ you just think they have an ambulance. They have everything. They’re not set up the same.”
Reuben’s family is still fighting for more ASC legislation, including a bill allowing detailed inspections of ASCs.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.