CMS Published their Finalized FY2020 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Ruling on August 2^nd.  Although there were no new incentives for antimicrobial stewardship, they did increase the new technology add-on payment (NTAP) for certain antimicrobials from 50% to 75%. In addition, there is a new ID rapid diagnostic test that met the criteria for an NTAP payment. CMS is also finalizing an alternative NTAP pathway for antimicrobials with a Qualified Infectious Diseases (QIDP) designation. The pre-publication version is available here but a concise summary is available here.

However, despite the lack of mention of ASP in the IPPS ruling, CMS did announce in June that the timeline has been extended by 1 year for publication of the long-awaited Conditions of Participation requirements for antibiotic stewardship programs in acute care and critical access hospitals including critical access hospitals. This deadline has been extended given extensive feedback received by individuals and professional societies including SIDP. It is now anticipated the final rule will be published on or before June of 2020. Read the full update at the link here