The AMA has released its summary of the interim final rule implementing some provisions of the No Surprises Act. The IFR becomes effective on Sept. 13, but the departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury have requested comments on some aspects of the rule by Sept. 7, the AMA said in an email to federation members. 

“This is the first of several regulations on the No Surprises Act (which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022), the AMA email said. “Additional regulations will be forthcoming regarding the Independent Dispute Resolution process, price comparison tools and certain transparency requirements. Rules on other NSA provisions, including insurance card requirements, continuity of care, provider network directions and prohibition on gag clauses, may not be published until next year.”

The AMA said it plans to provide comments before the Sept. 7 deadline.

“The AMA has several initial concerns about the way the QPA (median contracted rate) will be determined,” its email stated. “Additionally, while the Departments attempt to consolidate and standardize some administrative requirements on physicians, in other areas they expand them in ways that may not benefit patients but result in burdens on physicians.”

Read the AMA’s summary of the interim final rule >>