TJC Changes PPR to Focused Standards Assessment

The following announcement was published in the June 29, 2011 issue of Joint Commission Online:

In 2012, The Joint Commission will develop and test multiple components of a broad initiative called the Intracycle Monitoring (IM) process. One of the components is an incrementally improved Periodic Performance Review (PPR), which will be renamed the Focused Standards Assessment (FSA). The new name more appropriately reflects an emphasis on an organization’s assessment combined with The Joint Commission’s knowledge of high risk areas that are critical to patient safety and quality. The IM process, when complete, will focus on activities to help identify risk points in health care organizations along with resources for addressing patient safety and quality problems. The FSA – the improved PPR – will be effective January 1, 2012. Also effective January 1, 2012, the FSA will only need to be submitted 12 and 24 months following the organization’s last triennial survey. The FSA will not need to be submitted during the third year of accreditation (the year the organization is due for the on-site survey). All four of the options for participating in the FSA will continue to be available; results of the FSA will also continue not to impact an organization’s accreditation decision. During 2012, pilot tests of the new IM process will occur; results of these pilot tests will be communicated in future issues of Joint Commission Online. Full implementation is planned for 2013. (Contact: Gail Weinberger, gweinberger@jointcommission.org)

Have You Experienced the NPDB "Rejected" Message?

A NAMSS member recently contacted the blog, asking for help with a problem. The member submitted two reports manually, receiving a "Rejected" message for each report. This is the first time the member has received the messages and is wondering if other members are having the same issue, or can provide any insight as to what may solve the problem.

Vote in the poll below and feel free to leave comments and suggestions that may help a fellow member!

Have you experienced any technical difficulties with submissions to the NPDB?
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CMS Proposes Rule Retracting Physician Signature Requirement

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a proposed rule eliminating the requirement that a physician or qualified non-physician sign test requisitions in order for the tests to be paid for under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule.

The rule was supposed to go into effect on January 1, 2011, but was indefinitely delayed after many argued that the rule would create inefficiency.

The proposed rule is open for a 60-day comment period and will likely be finalized later this year.

To see the Federal Register announcement, click here:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-06-30/pdf/2011-16366.pdf

CA Podiatrists and Physicians Pursue Collaborative Education

Podiatrists and physicians are working together in California to even out the educational differences between podiatric and medical schools in the state. The effort is being led by the California Podiatric Medical Association, California Medical Association, and California Orthopaedic Association.

The change would allow California podiatrists to practice as licensed physicians and surgeons with a nationally recognized scope and license.

This collaboration is unique as efforts to align licensure and scope of practice between physicians and other health professionals has been an ongoing debate in many states.

To read the full article, click here:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/27/prl20627.htm


Source: amednews.com

WV Upholds $500,000 Malpractice Cap

The Supreme Court of West Virginia has upheld a $500,000 malpractice cap on pain and suffering damages. The cap was put in place by a 2003 law that was designed to address growing malpractice judgements.

Supporters of malpractice caps state that the caps are necessary to ensure that doctors are not pushed out of the profession by growing malpractice insurance costs. Opponents state that malpractice caps limit victims of egregious actions from obtaining appropriate compensation.

To read more about the West Virginia decision, click here:
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201106221188


Source: Charleston Daily Mail

Louisiana Health System May Face Class Action Lawsuit on Negligent Credentialing

A Louisiana judge has ruled that a case filed by five former patients against Willis-Knighton Health System can move forward. The plaintiffs allege that the health system failed to properly credential neurosurgeon Dr. Ravish Patawardhan. They also claim that after Dr. Patawardhan was given privileges, the health system failed to investigate concerns raised by nurses regarding his surgical skills.

No hearing date has been scheduled.

To read a full article on the lawsuit, click here:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110616/NEWS01/106160328/Lawsuit-against-health-system-may-move-forward


Source: shreveporttimes.com

New Residencies in Addiction Medicine Begin Next Month

In July, the first ten residency programs accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) will begin. There are currently 20 physicians enrolled in the program. The programs were designed to address the growing needs of those suffering from substance abuse. They will focus on developing skills screening, intervention, detoxification, and rehabilitation.

At this time, the ABAM is not seeking ABMS membership of ACGME accreditation of its programs.


Source: amednews.com
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/06/06/prsa0606.htm