The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule implementing provisions of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which was included as part of the Affordable Care Act. Aimed at increasing the transparency between physicians and manufacturers, the rule requires certain drug, device, biological and medical supply manufacturers to report to CMS any payments or other value transferred to physicians or teaching hospitals. It also requires reporting of physician ownership in manufacturers or group purchasing organizations (GPOs).

Manufacturers and applicable GPOs are required to begin collecting data on Aug. 1, 2013. Data through the end of 2013 must be reported to CMS by March 31, 2014. Physicians and teaching hospitals will have an opportunity to review the information before it is made publicly available on Sept. 30, 2014. For subsequent years, data will be made public on June 30.

Payments that must be reported by manufacturers are subject to a minimum dollar threshold and exclude certain categories of payments. MGMA will further analyze this final rule and provide additional education on how it will affect our members.

For more information about this requirement, including links to the CMS press release and fact sheet, visit mgma.com/sunshine.

original posting from MGMA Washington Connexion 2/6/2013