CMS has joined with OSHA in suspending its mandate for COVID-19 vaccination of healthcare workers while the interim final rule is under a legal challenge. Hospitals are welcome to voluntarily enforce the requirement anyways, says CMS. In a memo, CMS told surveyors not to survey to the vaccination rule until further notice.

We are currently seeking industry experts to speak at our upcoming conference, the 2022 National Provider Enrollment Forum! The Forum will take place September 19-20, 2022, at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. This two-day, can’t-miss event will deliver fresh and valuable content for nearly every title and function in the provider enrollment industry. To apply, click here and fill out the application by Friday, January 14, 2022. Click here for more details. Please contact Son Hoang at shoang@hcpro.com with any questions.

Short of terminating a physician’s employment, appraising a physician’s performance is often the responsibility that administrative and medical staff leaders hate most. For many physicians, the phrase “performance appraisals” stirs up an unsavory image of managers sitting behind large desks wagging their fingers. For the employer, performance appraisals create opportunities for physicians to become angry, and some managers have not acquired conflict management skills. However, when done well, a performance appraisal is an effective tool that facilitates the physicians’ and the organization’s success.