California ASCs face new regulations

Editor's Note

Ambulatory surgery centers in California face new regulations and oversight under a new law, which takes effect January 1, 2016.

New regulatory requirements include peer-review evaluations every 2 years for physicians and surgeons working in ASCs and unannounced inspections of facilities.

SB 396 makes minor changes to current law, but it does nothing to lift the current veil of secrecy concerning outpatient surgery centers. It also takes a step backward in defining "unannounced visits" by accreditors as requiring 60 days' notice.