If enacted, HB2862 could significantly alter how healthcare services are classified and accessed. The removal of the inpatient-only restriction would allow providers to offer specific services in outpatient settings, potentially reducing healthcare costs for patients and increasing the efficiency of care delivery. This could promote a broader acceptance of outpatient care, which is generally viewed as more convenient and less expensive than inpatient treatment.
Summary
House Bill 2862, formally titled the Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act, aims to eliminate the inpatient-only service list currently enforced by the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill proposes that starting January 1, 2024, the Secretary of HHS cannot refuse to designate an outpatient hospital service based solely on the belief that the service can only be safely provided in a hospital setting. This change is intended to enhance patient choice and accessibility to a wider range of services on an outpatient basis.
Contention
However, there are notable concerns surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that eliminating the inpatient-only service list could lead to patient safety issues if certain procedures that require hospital resources and monitoring are performed in outpatient settings. There is an ongoing debate among healthcare professionals about the safety and efficacy of outpatient services for traditionally inpatient procedures, which may impact stakeholder opinions. Furthermore, the bill's potential effects on healthcare providers' operational procedures and reimbursement strategies are likely to be contentious points during discussions.