Illinois Hospital Association

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April 5, 2006

Dartmouth Study and Hospital Report Card Act Rules

On Monday, April 3, the Hospital Report Card Rules were released for public comment and the Dartmouth Study was released to interested state hospital associations.

Hospital Report Card Rules
The Hospital Report Card Rules were released for public comment in the April 7, 2006, Illinois Register. A copy of these rules are available by clicking here.

Key Components. The rules call for the reporting of nurse staffing measurements and select hospital process and outcome measurements on infections and infection prevention. It is anticipated that start up for reporting of infections may occur with discharges as of October 1, 2006. The infection measurements will rely upon the national Hospital Quality Alliance Surgical Care Improvement Project measurements and will start with reporting of Surgical Site infections and infection prevention measurements. The nursing staff measurements will begin with a quarter of education, followed by a pilot quarter, and with full implementation to begin as of April 1, 2007.

IHA Comment Letter. IHA is reviewing the rules in great detail and will be submitting comments within the 45 day deadline. IHA will share our comments with all members prior to the deadline submission. IHA has already received suggestions and requests for clarification on items from IHA members.

Dartmouth Study
The Dartmouth Study on the care of Medicare beneficiaries with severe chronic illness has been shared with IHA member CEOs. Additionally, each CEO received their hospital identifier so they may view the results on their own hospital. The results were sent to CEOs via e-mail on April 5 and 6. IHA and AHA will be providing member hospitals with talking points prior to the planned hospital specific release and Dartmouth media events around May 10.

IHA will continue to keep you updated on ongoing developments so that your hospital may have sufficient time to respond accordingly.