* Adding a new disaster preparedness plan standard to address emergency preparedness within the facility and interaction with local and state officials;
* Adding requirements for radiologic services provided in an ASC to ensure they are parallel to the requirements for furnishing laboratory services;
* Adding a new patient rights condition to address disclosure of physician financial interests in the ASC, advance directives, the grievance process and confidentiality of clinical records;
* Expanding the infection control requirement to the condition level; and
* Adding a comprehensive patient assessment requirement to ensure that accurate and thorough assessments are conducted to assure appropriate and safe surgery, and that patients would be able to tolerate a scheduled surgical procedure.
The proposed rule is on display at the Office of the Federal Register and is posted on the CMS Web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/asc.asp. Information about the final payment methodology rule and the proposed payment rule for calendar year 2008 can be found at the same link. Public comments will be accepted until October 30, 2007 and a final rule will be issued later this year.

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