ACLA Applauds CMS for Proposed Rule Repealing Physician Signature Requirement Avoiding Disruption of Patient Access to Laboratory Services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 30, 2011
Contact: Alan Mertz
American Clinical Laboratory Association
(202) 637-9466
amertz@clinical-labs.org
ACLA APPLAUDS CMS FOR PROPOSED RULE REPEALING PHYSICIAN SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT AVOIDING DISRUPTION OF PATIENT ACCESS TO LABORATORY SERVICES
Washington DC – The American Clinical Laboratory Association (ACLA) applauds the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for issuing a proposed rule rescinding the physician signature requirement for laboratory requisitions, which had been mandated by the 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Rule.
“ACLA sincerely appreciates CMS rectifying this unworkable situation ensuring there will be no disruption in the provision of vital clinical laboratory services to Medicare beneficiaries,” stated ACLA President Alan Mertz. “Clarifying the situation once and for all is important so that all Medicare providers and contractors have unambiguous direction on this policy change,” added Mertz.
ACLA greatly appreciates the leadership of U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Pat Roberts (R-KS), and U.S. Representatives Michael Burgess (R-TX) and William Pascrell (D-NJ) who led House and Senate Dear Colleague letters expressing their concerns about this detrimental policy. ACLA also thanks the 89 Members of Congress and 34 Senators who joined their colleagues on these letters in opposition to this unworkable and harmful policy.
