Monday, January 14, 2008
Hospitals Able to Review Upcoming “Hospital Compare” Data
The preview period for the next update of the Hospital Compare quality data Web site begins Jan. 17 and closes Feb. 15. This update will include data on the Hospital Care Quality Information from the Consumer Perspective (HCAHPS) for the first time. Hospitals, including anyone who works with the patient survey data, are encouraged to review the new data for accuracy. Those reviewing the data also should communicate the information to hospital leadership and media relations personnel. Hospitals may choose not to share HCAHPS data through Hospital Compare for the upcoming update without incurring a payment penalty if they find significant errors in the data. In subsequent updates, all data must be publicly shared or hospitals will suffer reductions in payments.

The American Hospital Association is finalizing several conference calls during the first week of February to answer hospitals’ questions about the addition of HCAHPS data. Information will be forthcoming. 

Hospital Compare is a Web site that provides hospital quality data to consumers. It is a public-private collaborative knows as the Hospital Quality Alliance: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals and Association of American Medical Colleges. View Hospital Compare at www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/. (Rosalie Weakland, rosaliew@ohanet.org)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
State Files Rule on Medicaid Freeze for Providers, Expands Eligibility to Vulnerable Groups
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services yesterday filed a permanent rule to freeze inpatient Medicaid reimbursement to hospitals through 2009, following the process set in motion by the emergency rule to this effect that was filed in December. The filing of the permanent rule is required for compliance with Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review regulations – it is not a definitive statement that an inpatient update for hospitals will not happen. OHA, the Ohio State Medical Association, the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association and the Ohio Osteopathic Association will meet with Gov. Ted Strickland Jan. 29 to discuss the delay in inpatient Medicaid reimbursement to providers and the state will host a second public hearing Feb. 15. OHA will work with hospitals to coordinate testimony for the hearing.

The administration also has announced it will move forward with eligibility expansions for select vulnerable populations; 1,600 kids ages 18-21 emancipating from foster care and approximately 3,000 pregnant women between 150-200 percent of the federal poverty level will be eligible for Medicaid coverage. (Bridget Gargan, bridgetg@ohanet.org)

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Comment Period Open on Proposed Patient Safety Goals
The Joint Commission seeks comments from hospitals and other stakeholders on potential new National Patient Safety Goals, Requirements and Implementation Expectations being considered for 2009. The potential goals and an online survey are available at www.jointcommission.org/Standards/FieldReviews/09_npsg_fr.htm. They are posted for comment through Feb. 27. The field review focuses on new and revised goals for patient identification, safe use of medications, hospital acquired infections, medication reconciliation, patient involvement in their care and universal protocol.

The Joint Commission first introduced its National Patient Safety Goals in January 2003 in an expanded effort to improve patient safety in accredited organizations.  Each goal includes specific evidence-based requirements that identify opportunities for reducing risk to patients. An advisory group assists the Joint Commission in the identification and development of the goals, requirements, and implementation expectations. The advisory group includes both patient safety experts and health care professionals who have hands-on experience in addressing safety issues. Each year, Joint Commission staff work with the advisory group to review and update the Goals and Requirements to ensure that they continue to be relevant and focused on important safety issues. (Rosalie Weakland, rosaliew@ohanet.org)
 

Thursday, January 17, 2008
Deadline Approaching: Participation Form for Outpatient Quality Data Reporting

Notice of participation forms for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Data Reporting Program (HOP QDRP) must be submitted by Jan. 31. Hospitals that miss the deadline risk a 2 percent reduction in outpatient Medicare reimbursement for all calendar year 2009 outpatient prospective payment system payments. Currently the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is NOT permitting critical access hospitals to submit HOP QDRP data.

 

Both participation and withdrawal forms are available at http://www.qualitynet.org/ by clicking “Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program/Forms/Participation” at the top of the page. Hospitals should check the box identifying participation or non-participation status and send the form with an original signature to:

 

HOP QDRP SC

C/O FMQAI

5201 West Kennedy Blvd., Suite 900

Tampa, Florida  33607-1822

 

Hospitals that need assistance should contact HOP QDRP at hopqdrp@fmqai.com or 1.866.800.8756. (Rosalie Weakland, rosaliew@ohanet.org)

Friday, January 18, 2008
OHA Supports Renewed Call to End Secret Side Deals with Utilities
Business leaders from across Ohio, including OHA, renewed calls this week for an end to the future use of secret side deals between businesses and utilities, saying they erode public confidence by providing price breaks and other undisclosed benefits to some electricity customers but not others. The request came before the House Public Utilities Committee’s Wednesday hearing on Senate Bill 221, Ohio’s comprehensive energy bill. In August 2007, the OHA-supported Ohio Coalition for Affordable Power (OCAP) unveiled an electricity restructuring plan that contained a specific ban on secret side deals. The proposed ban was not included in the pending legislation.

 The OCAP proposal would allow the continuation of special contracts between businesses such as hospitals and their utility that enable businesses to obtain lower electric rates based on factors such as willingness for interruptions in electricity. Since hospitals must have emergency generators, they could accept interruptible electric service at a lower rate and use emergency generators when power is interrupted. OHA will offer an educational session Feb. 1 in Columbus outlining key provisions in SB 221 and how they will affect Ohio hospitals. In addition, the session will cover 2008 natural gas and electric rate increases, an energy market forecast, renewable energy options and energy management strategies. Visit www.ohanet.org/education/education_programs.asp to learn more or to register. (Rick Sites, ricks@ohanet.org)

Voter Registration Deadline Quickly Approaching
Want to vote in Ohio’s primary election? 2008 will be an important election year as the country elects a new president in addition to numerous federal, state and local races. To vote in Ohio’s primary March 4, voters must register by Feb. 4. To register to vote, visit OHA’s Web site to fill out a voter registration form today.