MPA research highlights weakness in “never events” policies • 03.02.10

MPA findings that patient characteristics as well as quality of care affect the occurrence of “never events” were published in an article titled Patient characteristics and the occurrence of “never events” in the February, 2010 issue of the Archives of Surgery.

The CMS non-payment strategy for hospital acquired infections (generally referred to as their “Never Events” Policy) and similar programs being implemented by private payers are based on the premise that financial incentives can drive improved outcomes and cost savings. In order to have a meaningful impact, programs will have to expand beyond the very limited definitions currently used by CMS. MPA’s research found that this would unfairly penalize providers and create perverse financial incentives. Risk-adjusted warranties would provide a more robust and effective method for encouraging improved outcomes and realizing cost savings.

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