On October 23, 2014, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services announced the “Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative.” The Initiative is intended to foster large-scale delivery system transformation by leveraging providers who have proven success in delivering less costly, quality patient care to teach and guide other providers to do the same.
HHS will invest $840 million over the next four years to support 150,000 clinicians as part of the Initiative. The funding will go to “Practice Transformation Networks” and “Support and Alignment Networks.”
“Practice Transformation Networks” will include group practices, health care systems and others that have demonstrated success in delivery system transformation and who will guide and coach clinicians, mostly small rural providers and providers in medically underserved communities through the transformation process by sharing proven strategies and ensuring that those clinicians can sustain the changes. Clinicians who take advantage of the Initiative and who may not otherwise have the financial resources or experience to actively participate in transformation will be positioned for success in the transforming health care market.
Funding will also go to “Support and Alignment Networks” formed by medical professional associations and patient safety and quality improvement organizations, among others that educate and encourage their membership to support and participate in Practice Transformation Networks.
The Initiative is another step towards achieving the Affordable Care Act’s goal of strengthening the quality of patient care and lowering costs.
Applications for both “Practice Transformation Networks” and the “Support and Alignment Networks” will be accepted by HHS beginning on October 23, 2014. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a letter of intent by November 20, 2014. Applications are due to CMS no later than January 6, 2015. CMS anticipates announcing awards in Spring/Summer 2015.
If you have questions about the Initiative and would like to speak to a member of our Health Care Team, please call Attorney Jillian Jagling at 401-824-5100 or email We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions.
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