|
 |
 |
|
HHS: New cuts to 'red tape' to save billions for healthcare providers
The Health and Human Services (HHS) Department touted new rules easing the regulatory burden on hospitals and healthcare providers to the tune of more than $5 billion in savings over five years.
The changes will "cut burdensome red tape for hospitals and providers" and allow them to "improve patient care while lowering costs," Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said in a statement.
The first rule issued Thursday will make small revisions to the Medicare Conditions of Participation in order to give hospitals more flexibility in their operations.
One change would allow "a patient or his or her caregiver to administer certain medications," a release stated, facilitating "patient-centered care."
The second rule would eliminate overlapping or outdated rules that govern healthcare providers.
Savings from the combined changes will amount to "nearly $1.1 billion across the healthcare system" during the first year, according to materials from CMS.
"We are cutting red tape and improving health care for all Americans," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. "Now it will be easier for health care providers to do their jobs and deliver quality care."
