Published November 16, 2022 
CMS Releases CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule
On November 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. This final rule updates several payment policies, focuses on the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and has changes in emergency visits, which includes nursing home facilities and improvements to advance equity. On September 6, AACN submitted comments to CMS, outlining strong support to allow additional practitioners to bill for emergency visits taking place at a nursing home, along with improving population health through the Shared Savings Program. AACN is proud to have had our comments considered in this process and will continue to advocate for these vital provisions going forward. To read the final rule, click here.
HHS Secretary Becerra Convenes Event on Patient Safety
On November 14, AACN attended a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Patient Safety livestream event. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra joined with other healthcare leaders to discuss top patient safety concerns as the nation transitions out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics included workforce shortages, such as the nursing shortage, and the need for government-led solutions. It was reiterated that all stakeholders, the government, payers, clinicians, and consumers need to be at the table when creating solutions for better patient safety. Additionally, patient safety advocates addressed the need for organizational transparency when medical errors are made. A recording of the livestream will be made available here.
Mark Your Calendar: November 17 is National Rural Health Day
On November 17, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a leadership discussion on advancing behavioral health care in rural areas. This event will be offered in conjunction with National Rural Health Day. Panelists include Carole Johnson, Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration; Sonia Chessen, Chief of Staff at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Dr. Robert Otto Valdez, Director for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; and Roselyn Tso, Director of the Indian Health Service. The event will be moderated by Catherine Oakar, Special Assistant to the President for Public Health and Disparities, White House Domestic Policy Council. This discussion will be available via Zoom on November 17, at 3PM (ET). To learn more about these programs, National Rural Health Day, or to attend this event, click here.