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Maryland Cardiologists Celebrate ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 1, 2012) — Governor Martin O'Malley signed legislation today which requires the state to appoint a Clinical Advisory Group to establish regulations to write requirements for peer or independent review of the placement of stents in heart patients in order to ensure consistency with guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology and other cardiovascular organizations, the Maryland Chapter of the American College of Cardiology said today. Maryland is the first state in the nation to have such a law. “A robust peer review process, which we believe should include independent case reviews, is critical to continuously assess patient safety and to ensure quality care for this essential, life-saving service,” said chapter President Marc Mugmon, MD, FACC. The Maryland Chapter of the American College of Cardiology pro- actively sought legislation last year to deal with the inconsistent utilization of peer review and its proposals were adopted as an amendment to HB 1141 signed into law today. The chapter sought enhanced independent, external peer review. The Maryland Chapter, at the invitation of the Maryland Health Care Commission, will be an integral part of the regulatory process to implement regulations and ongoing performance measures as a member of the newly established Clinical Advisory Group. "The cardiovascular community, especially members of the American College of Cardiology, look forward to working with the Maryland Health Care Commission to develop regulations for peer review.” Mugmon said. “The peer review component of the bill, which requires the development of minimum standards in the next year, will set a national precedent in cardiac care,” Mugmon said. “Peer review is a fundamental component of any comprehensive continuous quality improvement effort and will enhance patient safety by providing constructive, objective feedback to cardiologists in a collaborative environment.” The Maryland Chapter, American College of Cardiology has 650 cardiovascular physicians and over 100 members of the cardiac care team as members from all parts of the state. The chapter's mission is to transform cardiovascular care and promote heart health. |
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The MDACC knows patients are concerned about their CV care and is actively involved in Annapolis to make sure Maryland Seniors have access to CV care. -
Over the last 8 years, morbidity and mortality have decreased by 29%.
Now patients are at risk. -
The Maryland Chapter, ACC members and leaders actively contact Congress to explain how legislation and regulation effect patient care.
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National guidelines developed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) state that hospitals treating STEMI patients with emergency PCI should reliably achieve a door-to-balloon time of 90 minutes or less. -
Members of the MDACC receive alerts via email from President Sam Goldberg, MD, about issues that need action. If you are not on the list contact the chapter office with your email address.
