Here are seven things ASC leaders should know for Feb. 12, 2018.
Vermont bill could levy 6% provider tax on ASCs, threatening its 2nd center
A state representative in Vermont introduced a bill to regulate ASCs eight months after the state granted its second certificate of need to a surgery center. The bill would place several additional expenses on ASCs, including a $2,000 annual licensing fee and 6 percent provider tax that would be based on net patient revenue. The bill also outlines a plan for ASCs to cover 5 percent of the cost for the Green Mountain Care Board to analyze their expenditures and review budgets, and cover 7.5 percent of regulatory expenses from the Office of the Health Care Advocate.
The Joint Commission cracks down on improper hand hygiene
The Joint Commission will now issue citations to ambulatory care organizations whose employees violate hand hygiene guidelines before providing direct patient care. The Joint Commission has required healthcare organizations to maintain hand hygiene programs for a decade.
East Freedom Surgical Associates receives $350k loan to purchase equipment for new surgery center
Duncansville, Pa.-based East Freedom Surgical Associates received a $350,000, five-year loan to purchase equipment for a new ASC also in Duncansville. Stephen Yanoshak, MD, is constructing the new ASC, and it's expected to open in late summer.
Regent Surgical Health, St. Francis Hospital open surgery center for complex cases
Roslyn, N.Y.-based St. Francis Hospital of Catholic Health Services of Long Island partnered with Regent Surgical Health to open the East Hills (N.Y.) Surgery Center. The multispecialty ASC facility is designed to treat complex cases such as total joint replacement and spine disorders.
Kaiser Permanente condensing Redwood City outpatient, administrative services into new facility
Kaiser Permanente in Redwood City, Calif., received approval to condense four outpatient and three administrative facilities into a four-story, 197,800-square-foot building on its Redwood City campus. The building will feature specialty care clinics, conference rooms, an outpatient surgery floor as well as physician offices.
Skyway Surgery Center adds laser cataract surgery, 2 eye surgeons
Chico, Calif.-based Skyway Surgery Center welcomed two eye surgeons, who will bring laser cataract surgery to the center.
How CON status affects total knee replacement volume
A new study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty examines how certificate of need programs affect total knee replacement volume. Find out more.
https://www.beckersasc.com/orthopedics-tjr/how-con-status-affects-total-knee-replacement-volume-6-things-to-know.html