Public Relations & Media
Latest News
August 2009
House Committee Approves Incentive Payments for Reform
Nearing the completion of its marathon markup session last Friday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously accepted a group of amendments that were deemed noncontroversial. Among those was an amendment by Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) to provide incentive payments to states that implement certain medical liability reforms. Specifically, the bill would grant federal funds to states that implement certificate of merit requirements and/or an early offers program—on the condition that the reforms can be demonstrated to be successful. While dramatically scaled back from its
initial version, which included numerous alternative reform options as well as provisions offering specific protections to emergency medicine providers and healthcare volunteers in disaster areas, the amendment is notable in that it is the first and only medical liability-related amendment to be included in any healthcare reform package passed by a committee this year. It remains to be seen if the House leadership will retain the provision when differing versions of the healthcare legislation are merged in September. Equally as important, the amendment in no way interferes with
effective reforms that states have already enacted. The bill will not have an impact on state reforms already in place. (PIAA, 8/6)
PIAA Medicare Conference and CMS Updates
The PIAA Medicare Reporting Conference held July 29 was a success as PIAA members were able to spend an entire day reviewing the latest developments on this issue and questioning CMS officials about implementation guidelines. More than 80 attendees came to Baltimore to learn more about the reporting process and to share their thoughts and concerns with those in charge of developing the program. Information from the conference, including a summary of the question and answer session, is available to members on the PIAA website at www.piaa.us. Also at the conference, CMS announced the release of, and requested comments on, a new definition of Responsible Reporting Entities, as well as the updated version of the critically important User Guide. Both documents were made public just days later. (PIAA, 8/6)
Login/Registration Instructions for New Website
The newly redesigned PIAA website, www.piaa.us, has an enhanced individualized login feature that allows all board members, employees, and authorized representatives of PIAA member companies access to personalized member services and information. Create an online account to register for meetings and workshops, access enhanced content for members only, and utilize the restructured online store and shopping cart system. The setup is one-time, quick, and easy. Click here and follow five simple steps.
2009 PIAA Data Sharing Reports Now Available
The 2009 Claim Trend Analysis, Risk Management Review(s), and Data Sharing Report for end-year 2008 data are now available for purchase. PIAA DSP participants should receive their complimentary CDs of all the 2009 DSP reports next week. The CD includes comprehensive and individual data for participants. Member companies that do not participate in the Data Sharing Project may purchase these reports online for a member discount at www.piaa.us. The PIAA would like to thank all submitting member companies for
their participation. For more information or questions regarding the 2009 Data Sharing Reports, please contact P.Divya Parikh, director of research, at dparikh@piaa.us or Kwon Miller, PIAA data analyst, at kmiller@piaa.us.