Graduate Medical Education
ACOI Comments on Proposed Rules Impacting Graduate Medical Education(July 2009)
ACOI President Humayun J. Chaudhry, DO, MS, FACOI, submitted comments in response to CMS’ “Proposed Changes to the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals and Fiscal Year 2010 Rates” on June 30. In his comments, Dr. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of Medicare funding for quality graduate medical education (GME) programs. Dr. Chaudhry requested that CMS not implement a reduction in indirect medical education (IME) adjustments; suggested that CMS work to clarify the definition of “new medical residency training program” and include specific guidelines in the final rule; and, asked that CMS continue to expand the ability to use affiliation agreements in certain circumstances. You may view Dr. Chaudhry’s full comments at http://www.acoi.org/GovRelationsPubCom.html. ACOI Supports Legislation to Expand Residency Programs
(June 2009)
The ACOI joined with other osteopathic organizations announcing their support of the “Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009” (H.R. 2251/S. 973) on May 21. This important legislation places an emphasis on increasing the number of training programs in primary care specialties and general surgery. In addition, the legislation would require that all the time spent by a resident in outpatient settings be counted towards the determination of full-time equivalency for the purposes of payments for direct and indirect medical education costs. The legislation also includes rules for counting resident time for didactic and scholarly activities, among other things. This legislation has been referred to committees of jurisdiction in both the House and Senate where no further action has been taken. The ACOI will continue to advocate for this important legislation. Graduate Medical Education Loan Program Approved by the House
(October 2008)
The House approved the “Physician Workforce Enhancement Act of 2008” (H.R. 2583) by voice vote on September 23. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a loan program that provides loans to eligible hospitals to establish residency training programs. H.R. 2583 requires a program to be an allopathic or osteopathic residency program in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics or gynecology, or general surgery to qualify for the loan program. The legislation requires that preference be given to programs in rural or small urban areas. While H.R. 2583 was approved by the House, the Senate has not taken action on it to date. If the legislation is not acted on and sent to the President for his signature prior to the end of this session of congress, it will likely be reintroduced early next year. The ACOI will continue to advocate for legislation that supports the development of graduate medical education opportunities. ACOI Joins With Others to Advance Graduate Medical Education
(July 2006)
The ACOI joined with over 70 other health care organizations representing physicians, hospitals, and medical schools in a request sent to the House of Representatives and the US Senate asking for support of the “Community and Rural Medical Residency Preservation Act” (H.R. 4403 / S. 2071) on June 27. The legislation would counter recent administrative actions taken by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Non-hospital ambulatory training for residents has become an integral part of the medical education process. In recent years, CMS has acted in opposition to congressional intent and increased barriers to educational opportunities in non-hospital settings. H.R. 4403 and S. 2071 would establish in statute, clear and concise guidance on the use of ambulatory sites in teaching programs and reaffirm congress’ interest to promote quality medical education. For more information on this important legislation you may contact Tim McNichol at tmcnichol@acoi.org or by calling toll-free 1-800-327-5183.