ML Strategies has posted its weekly Health Care Update.  This publication provides timely information on implementation of the Affordable Care Act, Congressional initiatives affecting the health care industry, and federal and state health regulatory developments.

This past week centered around a flurry of activity around durable medical equipment as CMS announced plans to expand an existing prior authorization demonstration.  The Senate weighed in on a similar issue via a bi-partisan letter asking CMS to hold off on any expansion plans for the DME competitive bid program until after the OIG’s report on Round 2.

Additionally, CMS issued a proposed rule which would extend Stage 2 of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Meaningful Use program through 2016 and delay the start of Stage 3 of the program until 2017, citing timing and certification problems.  Physician groups praised the announcement but pushed for even further delays.

Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) released a report on federal programs that address severe mental illness (SMI), which found that those most in need of treatment are least likely to get the medical help they need.  The report comes at a time when many members of Congress believe that the timing for mental health legislation is ideal over the coming months.

Click here to read this week's Health Care Update.