CMS Announces Changes to the Nursing Home Quality Rating System – On October 6, 2014, CMS announced upcoming changes to the nursing home five-star quality rating system. The changes include revising the scoring methodology and upgrading the website's user interface. Additionally, CMS will be reducing the rating system's reliance on self-reported data in an attempt to make the rating system less susceptible to manipulation. Click here to view the CMS fact sheet.

CMS Announces Financial and Quality Results Related to Individual Pioneer ACOs – CMS recently released information related to financial and quality results of pioneer accountable care organizations (ACOs) and stated that the organizations collectively saved the Medicare trust fund approximately $41 million during 2013. CMS's report is available here and more on the ACO pioneer program is available at CMS's website here.

Drug Industry Group Sues HHS to Block New “Interpretive” Regulation on Safety-Net Drug Discounts Under 340B Program – On October 9, 2014, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), a drug industry group, filed a new complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in its continued challenge to the validity of the agency's interpretation of the orphan drug rule. Pharm. Research & Mfrs. of Am. v. HHS, D.D.C., No. 1:14-cv-01685. The latest complaint is available here.