Washington, D.C. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement on the Health and Human Services proposed Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms to Support Value-Based and Coordinated Care:

“This announcement is great news for patients and doctors,” Burgess said. “The proposed rule allows for more patient centered care and is a step in the right direction to letting doctors be doctors.”

“This new proposed rule will help move care to being more patient focused and further the health care system’s shift towards value-based care. This rule will enable physicians and other health care providers to better coordinate care and let patients focus on their health, resulting in improved health outcomes.” 

“While this proposal will provide greater certainty for physicians participating in value-based arrangements and providing coordinated care for patients, it will also add protections under the antikickback statute and civil monetary penalty law. I appreciate Secretary Azar and his team for working to ensure that patients are at the center of our health care system.”

Background:
The proposed Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Reforms are designed to promote coordinated patient care and foster improved quality, better health outcomes, and improved efficiency. Congressman Burgess’ Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law in 2015 and took a significant step forward in encouraging use of value-based purchasing in Medicare. As the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, Congressman Burgess chaired a hearing on September 13, 2018 entitled “Examining Barriers to Expanding Innovative Value-Based Care in Medicare” to analyze how the antiquated Stark Law creates hurdles to value-based care. This proposed rule will break down some of those barriers and allow physicians to ensure they are connecting their patients to the best possible care.

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