Online Forum for Accountable Care Organization Developments Launches Today; Squire Sanders Sponsorship Reflects Commitment to Leadership in Emerging Health Policy Debate

WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Squire, Sanders & Dempsey is launching Accountable Care Forum - From Volume to Value, a blog dedicated to analysis of the emerging accountable care organization (ACO) landscape. The launch coincides with regulations issued today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

"The regulations are the centerpiece of health care reform legislation affecting physicians and hospitals across the United States," said David W. Grauer, head of Squire Sanders' health care practice. "We want our blog, www.accountablecareforum.com, to be a resource for our clients and others that need reasoned, real-time analysis of the regulations' impact."

Squire Sanders lawyers will review, analyze and comment on the regulations' seven key segments identified by CMS including provider involvement; beneficiary attribution; ACO eligibility/assessment; performance measurement, especially patient experience; shared savings programs; other payment models; and regulatory compliance/waivers.

The blog draws on Squire Sanders health care lawyers' perspective and commentary from representatives of the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR).

Squire Sanders lawyers Scott A. Edelstein, Lisa G. Han, John M. Kirsner and Peter A. Pavarini have extensive background in ACO issues. Pavarini edited the ACO manual issued by the American Health Law Association, Han advises clients on insurance issues, and Edelstein and Kirsner have both presented at national panels. Additionally, several Squire Sanders health care lawyers are advising clients on ACO formation matters.

"We're very pleased to partner with Squire Sanders in providing much-needed perspective on the significant impact the ACO regulations will have on hospitals, doctors and the health care industry," said AMDR President Daniel J. Vukelich.

About Squire Sanders – Founded in 1890, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey has lawyers in 37 offices and 17 countries around the world and now includes the nearly 500 lawyers from leading UK legal practice Hammonds. With one of the strongest integrated global platforms and our longstanding "one-firm firm" philosophy, Squire Sanders provides seamless legal counsel worldwide.

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey refers to an international legal practice which operates worldwide through a number of separate legal entities. Please visit www.ssd.com for more information.

About the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors – The AMDR represents America's FDA-regulated, third-party medical device reprocessing industry. Serving a majority of US hospitals, including all of U.S. News & World Report's honor roll hospitals, AMDR's members provide health care facilities with financially and environmentally responsible medical device options. More information is available at www.AMDR.org

CONTACT:  Drez Jennings, +1-216-802-7301, [email protected]

SOURCE Squire, Sanders & Dempsey