HHS Updating Regulations to Recognize Changing Technology

HHS has released its plan for retrospective review of existing rules that may actually be interfering with the delivery of healthcare services.  This review is in response to Executive Order 13563, which is aimed at all federal agencies and the streamlined, effective, efficient regulatory framework to achieve economic growth, investment flows, job-creation, and competition.

HHS has released its plan for retrospective review of existing rules that may actually be interfering with the delivery of healthcare services.  This review is in response to Executive Order 13563, which is aimed at all federal agencies and the streamlined, effective, efficient regulatory framework to achieve economic growth, investment flows, job-creation, and competition.

While HHS’s systematic review of regulations will focus on the elimination of rules that are no longer justified or necessary, the review will also consider strengthening, complementing, or modernizing rules where necessary or appropriate—including, if relevant, undertaking new rulemaking.  Key sections include:

Updating Regulations to Recognize Changing Technology, including

• Use of Telemedicine to Increase Access
• Aligning the Electronic Health Record Incentive Program with Other Electronic Reporting Systems

Improving Pre-market Review for Medical Devices

Regulation of Medical Devices

And, changes to the existing Conditions of Participation for Hospitals will also be interesting to watch.