Since 2009, federal regulations have barred ASCs from hosting surgeries on the same day that physicians and patients schedule them, but as of Dec. 23, those restrictions will be lifted.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced a rule change that would eliminate its advance notification requirement for ASCs, which mandates facilities to notify patients of their rights and the facility's ownership before the day of surgery, except in certain emergency cases. Facilities will now be allowed to provide patients with that information on the day that surgery is scheduled and performed.

In a prepared statement, the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association applauded the about-face on the condition for coverage. The association had lobbied for the reversal on grounds that it would reduce costs and simplify care.

A copy of the rule change can be viewed on ASCA's website.

David Bernard