AHA Recommends Changes to Proposed Psychiatric PPS Rule

April 5, 2004 AHA Recommends Changes to Proposed Psychiatric PPS Rule In an open letter on February 26, 2004, the American Hospital Association (AHA) urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to modify its proposed prospective payment system rule for inpatient psychiatric facilities to lessen the financial impact on the facilities, particularly distinct part units, and protect patients' access to mental health care. "We are gravely concerned that the proposed rule will further weaken our fragile mental health system ... and prevent many individuals from getting the treatment they urgently need," AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack said in . . .