As this issue of AAOS Now went to press, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposed rule implenting Section 6002 (Sunshine Act provisions) of the Afordable Care Act. It requires manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologicals, and medical supplies covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to report payments or other transfers of value (amounting to $10 or more) made to physicians and teaching hospitals.

Data collection is not required to begin until after the final rule is published. CMS will accept comments until Feb. 17, 2012. The American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons is currently reviewing the rule and will respond appropriately. Watch AAOS Headline News Now and AAOS Advocacy Now for more information as it becomes available.

Read more in AAOS Advocacy Now: www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/aaos/advocacy_now/dec27/pages/article6.html

Read the rule: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2011-32244.pdf