Federal funds have recently become available for 12 states to survey ambulatory surgery centers. Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary for HHS, announced on July 31st that funding would be available for 12 states to survey more than 125 ambulatory surgery centers. The funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and will be administered by CMS in the amount of $9.95 million.
The first 12 states to volunteer, and the amounts they were awarded are listed below:
CMS believes the additional funding will assist in reducing the number of health care associated infections (HAI). The surveys will also ensure that facilities are following Medicare’s guidelines for infection control. The initiative includes the use of a new survey process and tool developed with the CDC. The tool is the infection control survey that is available at the end of the new Interpretive Guidelines issued by CMS. The surveys should be completed by September 30, 2009. An additional $9 million in funding will be available in October for the remaining states to survey their ambulatory surgery centers. The CDC has also promised to make available an additional $40 million for states to create or expand their HAI prevention and surveillance efforts. If you operate an ambulatory surgery center in one of the first 12 volunteer states and want to make sure your facility is prepared for a survey, contact Ortmann Healthcare Consultants at (803) 252-7979. We have the tools to help you prepare and a record of “No Deficiencies” for every licensure, accreditation, and certification survey we have participated in.
Additional information can be found at the following links:
Medicare Press Release
HHS’ 2009 Action Plan to Prevent Health care-Associated Infections
