MHA Today | September 20, 2021

Staff Contact: Andrew Wheeler

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a final rule that sets 2022 user fee rates for issuers offering qualified health plans through the Federally-facilitated and State-based Exchanges on the Federal platform, expands the annual open enrollment period, and expands the duties of Navigators. The rule provides consumers an extra 30 days to review and choose a Marketplace health plan. Open enrollment will take place from Monday, Nov. 1, through Jan. 15, 2022.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra stated, “We’re continuing to answer the clear call from the American public for affordable, accessible care. The Biden-Harris administration has already made historic investments to help connect communities to coverage. By continuing to build a policy framework that can support this momentum, we’re also building back better for communities in need.”

Staff Contact: Sarah Willson

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued additional guidance on the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act related to care of the pregnant individual or individual experiencing pregnancy loss. The memo does not include new policy, rather it is a reminder to hospitals of their existing responsibilities. The definition of “labor” is a central element of focus. The guidance also notes that while EMTALA is not enforced for inpatients, there are four primary Conditions of Participation often cited with inpatients when there is a complaint that a hospital is not appropriately assessing and arranging transport of the admitted labor patient.

Staff Contact: Shawn Billings

Habitual users of cannabis are presenting in emergency departments complaining of severe intestinal distress as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome cases increase in states where marijuana use is legalized. Doctors in Colorado are realizing that CHS no longer is a rare problem but is highly prevalent.

A recent study conducted by Colorado physician George Sam Wang, M.D., shows reported vomiting increased approximately 29% between 2013 and 2018 in Colorado. The study also shows that more than a third of vomiting cases were in people 25 years of age and younger. These findings suggest that health care clinicians in states that have legalized cannabis should be aware of symptoms associated with CHS, and documentation may help ensure accurate public health surveillance on consequences associated with cannabis legalization.

Staff Contact: Jill Williams

AYA Healthcare is hosting a webinar, “Healthcare Staffing State of the Market,” at noon CDT Tuesday, Sept. 21, to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of health care staffing and what employers can do about it. With health care hiring never being more strained, participants will explore the underlying root causes and systemic problems at the crux of the matter.