Provider alignment to get a boost under anti-kickback, Stark proposals: attorney

• Under proposed changes, hospitals no longer would be barred from entering into money-losing contracts with other providers for needed services.
• Hospitals in rural areas that provide transportation could get legal protection under the changes.
• The reduced legal risk could lead more providers to try value-based payment models.

Among the potential benefits to providers under proposed changes to Stark and anti-kickback regulations is a boost for hospitals’ post-discharge transportation assistance programs, according to an attorney.

This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule to change enforcement of the Stark Law, while a separate proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS’s) Office...