ASCP Opposes CMS Final Rule Undermining Autopsies

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released a Final Rule undermining the requirements for Autopsies within American hospitals, and ASCP strongly opposes it. Almost exactly one year after first proposing to eliminate a provision in the Medicare Condition of Participation rules that states that “a hospital’s medical staff should attempt to secure autopsies in all cases of unusual deaths and of medical-legal and educational interest,” the Agency has adopted a final rule eliminating the requirement.  When last year’s proposed rule was released, ASCP reacted strongly in opposition to the policy proposal.

In explaining its position, CMS stated it was deferring to state laws governing the use of autopsies.  However, in comments on the proposed rule, ASCP argued that “state laws requiring the performance of an autopsy are woefully insufficient and inconsistent and are not adequate to protect patient health.”  ASCP will be contacting to urge it to reverse its new policy.

Other articles in the October 2019 ePolicy News:

ASCP Delegation Meets with FDA on LDT Oversight
Fix PAMA, Don’t Change Laboratory Date of Service Rule, ASCP Urges CMS
ASCP Opposes E/M Proposal in Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Meaningful Participation Sought Under the QPP for Pathologists in 2020
CDC Coordinates Investigation, Offers Healthcare Provider Resources Regarding Lung Disease Associated with Vaping
ASCP Expands List of Choosing Wisely Recommendations
Choosing Wisely Champions Recognized for Reducing Unnecessary Testing
ASCP Seeks Test Sites for Measure Development Project

To read more articles from ePolicy News click here.

For more information regarding ASCP's advocacy initiatives and policy positions, please contact ASCP's Center for Public Policy at (202) 408-1110.

 

 

ASCP ePolicy News is supported by an unrestricted grant from Hologic.