HHS Publishes Proposed Rule for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) 

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is releasing proposed rules regarding ACOs. Click here to view the HHS announcement and the proposed rules.

HHS claims that the new rules will help doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers form ACOs. HHS will hold a series of open-door forums and listening sessions during the public comment period on the proposed rules.

The ACO program is scheduled to be established on January 1, 2012. Comments on the proposed ACO rules will be accepted until June 6, 2011.  [The rule is expected to be published in the April 7, 2011, Federal Register.] 

CMS says it will respond to all comments from the public in a final rule to be issued later this year.

AAB’s Washington Representative, Julie Allen, will provide a comprehensive review of ACOs during her presentation on Saturday, May 14, 2011, at AAB’s Annual Meeting and Educational Conference (May 12-14) at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, Texas.