Alert: CMS seeking public comment on new informed consent payment proposal

Some good news -- ^th. Click here for more info, links to the proposed rule and the measure specifics, a customizable template for comments, and directions on how to submit comments.

There is an exciting new opportunity to support patient-centered care and make a meaningful impact on the quality of care in hospitals across the US. CMS is seeking public comment on a proposed Medicare rule (regulation) for how hospitals are paid that includes a new measure assessing the quality of hospital informed consent documents given to patients before elective procedures. Unfortunately, the current state of hospital informed consent documents is embarrassingly poor. If adopted, the 4,700 US hospitals that treat Medicare members would be paid, in part, based on the quality of their informed consent documents. The measure could also be included in public quality comparisons such as Hospital Compare, allowing patients to use this measure in choosing between hospitals for their care. Comments are due by 5:00 pm EDT on June 13

As promising as the proposed rule is, it is only a proposal. CMS has not made a decision whether to support the informed consent document measure for implementation. CMS is seeking feedback to help with their decision. Public comment from patients and consumer advocates is essential.