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December 19, 2008 As 2008 draws to a close, we would like to take this opportunity to update you on some major legislative and regulatory activities affecting cancer care during the past year. In January, a special issue of Cancer Policy Today will focus on what we can expect to see in 2009. |
December 10, 2008 ASCO has developed and launched a new EHR social networking site. Also, FDA issued a document answering a series of questions related to its medication guides for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. |
November 25, 2008 On November 21, Congress went into recess after beginning to review an economic stimulus package that included $1 billion in funding for NIH. Congress will likely consider the package later in December or January. Also, several important coding changes will take effect in early 2009. |
November 12, 2008 On October 30, CMS issued its final 2009 physician fee schedule and its interim final rule with comment period for the 2009 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. Also, the President’s Cancer Panel has released it's annual report identifying actions aimed at reducing cancer incidence and death rates. |
October 29, 2008 On October 21, ASCO joined more than 100 health and medical associations in commenting to HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt on the ICD-10 proposed regulations. Also, in preparation for a new Administration, ASCO has reached out to both campaigns to ensure cancer issues are at the top of their agendas. |
October 16, 2008 On October 1, ASCO and Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced the Komen/ASCO Diversity in Oncology Initiative to diversify the oncology workforce and improve access to and quality of cancer care for people in medically underserved areas. Also, CMS’s Recovery Audit Contractor program is going to be implemented nationally and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released its FY 2009 Work Plan. |
October 1, 2008 On September 30, the President signed the short-term funding extension,to keep government programs, including the NIH, operating through March 9, 2009. Also, ASCO has developed additional guidance for practicing oncologists on the recent FDA label changes to ESAs. |
September 17, 2008 On September 10, CMS announced it would postpone the 2009 Medicare Part B Competitive Acquisition Program. Also, ASCO has issued comments to FDA on its draft guidance for the public and FDA staff on the considerations for whether to convene advisory committee meetings. |
September 3, 2008 |
August 20, 2008 ASCO recently launched a new podcast series on the use of electronic health records. On August 4, FDA released guidance detailing the procedures for its advisory committee process. |
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