◆ CMS said Dec. 18 it will audit a sample of hospitals for compliance with price transparency requirements, which take effect Jan. 1, according to MLN Connects.[1] In addition, CMS will investigate complaints submitted to CMS and review “analyses of non-compliance, and hospitals may face civil monetary penalties for noncompliance.” CMS has a website for people to report noncompliance.[2]
◆ The American Hospital Association (AHA), Association of American Medical Colleges and other groups said Dec. 14 they have filed a lawsuit[3] against HHS, alleging it failed to enforce the requirements of the 340B drug discount program. “This lawsuit will require the department to take actions that we’ve long called for against drug companies that are disregarding the law by limiting the distribution of certain 340B drugs to eligible hospitals. It’s time to stop these illegal actions from drug companies and protect vulnerable patients and communities,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.[4]