On Friday, Governor Murphy signed S485 more commonly known as the ‘Out –of-Network’ bill. This bill in its various incarnations, has been a contentious issue for health care providers . NJAASC first on its own, and then as a member of a coalition of health care organizations and societies, had been successful in thwarting this bill for almost ten years. The new administration and legislative leadership prioritized this bill. When the Hospital Association agreed to support the bill, and despite our best efforts, the bill was passed by the legislature in April 2018. This bill is a much different piece of legislation from the original, which is a testament to the efforts of NJAASC and the health care coalition that opposed it. While we would have preferred Senator Sarlo’s alternative transparency and disclosure bill (which did not get a floor vote), we can at least take satisfaction in the changes that we were able to get into the bill, that makes it at least palatable for ASCs.
While we are disappointed that the Governor signed the bill into law- and without any changes, we look forward to working with the administration on its implementation, in order to promote the best interests of the patients we serve. NJAASC will continue to be at the forefront of disseminating information and instruction regarding this law to the ASC industry and public alike. There is still considerable confusion and misinformation as to what this law really means, and how it impacts our industry. Having been intimately involved with this law and the process over these many years, NJAASC is best positioned to be your source for all questions and concerns you may have.
To learn more about this law, make sure you attend the NJAASC 8th Annual ASC Conference on June 12th & 13th at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange, NJ.
Jeff Shanton
President, NJAASC