CMS Explores a Secure American Medical Supplies Designation
Hospitals that secure a minimum percentage of domestically made PPE and essential medicines would get the designation. Comments are being accepted through March 30.
CMS is seeking input on strengthening procurement of domestically produced PPE and essential medicines. The agency is exploring the potential establishment of a “Secure American Medical Supplies” designation for hospitals that procure a minimum percentage of U.S.-made PPE and drugs. CMS is seeking feedback on whether and how payment rules under Medicare could be adjusted to help hospitals offset the potentially higher costs of procuring U.S.-made supplies.
The agency also wants comments on a potential new structural quality measure for the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting Program linked to hospitals’ investment in domestic procurement as part of quality and readiness. CMS will review feedback before deciding whether to propose concrete regulatory changes.
