Psychiatric Hospital Inspection Transparency Act of 2025
Summary
The Psychiatric Hospital Inspection Transparency Act of 2025 aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The amendment focuses on increasing the transparency of accreditation surveys related to hospitals and psychiatric hospitals. It allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to release certain information related to these surveys, specifically for psychiatric hospitals.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased public awareness of the conditions and quality of care within psychiatric hospitals. It mandates the use of a standardized form (CMS-2567 or its successor) during accreditation surveys. The act also requires the Secretary to publish appropriate information on the Care Compare website, enabling consumers to make more informed decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in psychiatric hospital quality.
- Empowers patients to make informed healthcare decisions.
- Standardized reporting through CMS-2567 form.
- Public access to survey information on the Care Compare website.
- Encourages hospitals to improve standards to attract patients.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential privacy concerns regarding patient and provider information, although the bill attempts to address this.
- Initial costs associated with implementing the new reporting requirements and website updates.
- Possible misinterpretation of survey data by the public without proper context.
- Burden on hospitals to address negative survey findings, potentially leading to defensive practices.
- The two-year delay before implementation means benefits are not immediate.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve healthcare quality and access, promoting the well-being of citizens. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights. The balance between transparency and privacy is addressed, referencing HIPAA regulations, which is a reasonable measure to protect individual rights while promoting public knowledge.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).