With the implementation on July 18 of "An Act To Prohibit Hospitals from Charging for Treatment To Correct Medical Mistakes" (L.D. 2044/H.P. 1428) Maine will join other states who have decided not to pay for "never events".
According to the American Hospital Association, the act will prohibit ambulatory surgery centers from charging patients or their insurers for treatment related to 28 preventable adverse events identified by the National Quality Forum.
Maine Hospital Association Vice President Mary Mayhew said the law is similar to a voluntary policy the MHA released in January.
"We worked very closely with the bill's sponsor and we were pleased with the final language," she said.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Patsy Crockett (D-Augusta), was signed April 10 by Gov. John Baldacci.
Is your practice affected by this act? Email chelsey.ledue@medtechpublishing.com