Study finds HAC penalties not associated with fewer readmissions

A study published in the British Medical Journal did not find a clear pattern of clinical Improvement following the implementation of the U.S. Hospital Acquired Condition Reduction Program (HACRP). The researchers looked at data from 708 hospitals penalized under HACRP in 2015. They concluded penalization was not associated with significant changes in rates of hospital acquired conditions (HACs), 30-day readmission or 30-day mortality. The researchers also surmised by “disproportionately penalizing hospitals caring for more disadvantaged patients, the HACRP could exacerbate inequities in care.” (BMJ article,  7/3/19)