Master the upcoming ICD-10 code and IPPS changes! Prepare your team for the upcoming changes taking effect on October 1. Discover the benefits of IPPSPalooza and how it can drive your success. Click here >

NEWS ALERT: Becerra Narrowly Approved as new HHS Chief

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a new leader – thanks to the narrowest of margins.

The U.S. Senate voted 50-49 Thursday to approve former California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as the nation’s top federal health official, with Democratic Sen. Mazie Horono’s abstention countered by a “yes” vote by GOP Sen. Susan Collins – making her the only Republican senator to vote as such.

“I’m honored and humbled by today’s vote in the Senate. Thank you,” Becerra tweeted not long after the final tally was reached. “I’m ready to get to work at @HHSgov.”

A son of Mexican immigrants, Becerra, who was California’s first Hispanic Attorney General, will become the nation’s first Hispanic HHS Secretary.

In addition to serving as California’s top law-enforcement official, Becerra also previously spent 12 terms in Congress as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving a Los Angeles-area district and ascending to Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. He also served one term in the California Legislature before being sworn in as California Attorney General in 2017.

Congressional Republicans largely contended that Becerra lacked the necessary experience in healthcare for his new role – a claim countered by Democrats who noted that they had no issues approving a former pharmaceutical executive, Alex Azar, to fill the position under former President Trump.

Becerra’s top priority will doubtlessly be addressing the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, which has sickened more than 120 million people worldwide, killing 2.67 million – including more than 30 million cases and nearly 550,000 deaths in the U.S. alone.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print

Mark Spivey

Mark Spivey is a national correspondent for RACmonitor.com, ICD10monitor.com, and Auditor Monitor who has been writing and editing material about the federal oversight of American healthcare for more than a decade.

Related Stories

Leave a Reply

Please log in to your account to comment on this article.

Featured Webcasts

Mastering the Two-Midnight Rule: Keys to Navigating Short-Stay Admissions with Confidence

Mastering the Two-Midnight Rule: Keys to Navigating Short-Stay Admissions with Confidence

The CMS Two-Midnight Rule and short-stay audits are here to stay, impacting inpatient and outpatient admissions, ASC procedures, and Medicare Parts C & D. New for 2024, the Two-Midnight Rule applies to Medicare Advantage patients, requiring differentiation between Medicare plans affecting Case Managers, Utilization Review, and operational processes and knowledge of a vital distinction between these patients that influences post-discharge medical reviews and compliance risk. Join Michael G. Calahan for a comprehensive webcast covering federal laws for all admission processes. Gain the knowledge needed to navigate audits effectively and optimize patient access points, personnel, and compliance strategies. Learn Two-Midnight Rule essentials, Medicare Advantage implications, and compliance best practices. Discover operational insights for short-stay admissions, outpatient observation, and the ever-changing Inpatient-Only Listing.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
September 19, 2023
Secondary Diagnosis Coding: A Deep Dive into Guidelines and Best Practices

Secondary Diagnosis Coding: A Deep Dive into Guidelines and Best Practices

Explore comprehensive guidelines and best practices for secondary diagnosis coding in our illuminating webcast. Delve into the intricacies of accurately assigning secondary diagnosis codes to ensure precise medical documentation. Learn how to navigate complex scenarios and adhere to coding regulations while enhancing coding proficiency. Our expert-led webcast covers essential insights, including documentation requirements, sequencing strategies, and industry updates. Elevate your coding skills and stay current with the latest coding advancements so you can determine the correct DRG assignment to optimize reimbursement, support medical decision-making, and maintain compliance.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
September 20, 2023
Principal Diagnosis Coding: Mastering Selection and Sequencing

Principal Diagnosis Coding: Mastering Selection and Sequencing

Enhance your inpatient coding precision and revenue with Principal Diagnosis Coding: Mastering Selection and Sequencing. Join our expert-led webcast to conquer the challenges of principal diagnosis selection and sequencing. We’ll decode the intricacies of ICD-10-CM guidelines, equipping you with a clear grasp of the rules and the official UHDDS principal diagnosis definition. Uncover the crucial role of coding conventions, master the sequencing of related conditions, and confidently tackle cases with equally valid principal diagnoses.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
September 14, 2023
2024 IPPS Summit: Final Rule Update with Expert Insights and Analysis

2024 IPPS Summit: Final Rule Update with Expert Insights and Analysis

Only ICD10monitor delivers what you need: updates on must-know changes associated with the FY24 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule, including new ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, plus insights, analysis and answers to questions from the country’s most respected subject matter experts.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
2024 IPPS Summit Day 3: MS-DRG Shifts and NTAPs

2024 IPPS Summit Day 3: MS-DRG Shifts and NTAPs

This third session in our 2024 IPPS Summit will feature a review of FY24 changes to the MS-DRG methodology and new technology add-on payments (NTAPs), presented by senior healthcare consultant Laurie Johnson, with bonus insights and analysis from two acclaimed subject matter experts

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
August 17, 2023

Trending News