ASC Podcast with John Goehle

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we take a first look at the 2027 final Medicare payment rule for ASCs, bring back takeaways from the 2026 New England ASC Conference, including water quality in sterile processing and safe injection practices, then cover CMS's new power to exclude providers from Medicare, the spread of noncompete bans, the debate over CRNA-only anesthesia, and new Stark self-disclosure forms that took effect November 1. Then we take a deep dive into Patient Rights — what the Condition for Coverage requires, and how to make it real in your center. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. In this episode • A first look at the 2027 final ASC payment rule: the 2.3% update, why many common codes still go down, 618 procedures added to the ASC covered procedures list, 637 services coming off the inpatient-only list, and the colonoscopy follow-up measure coming out of ASC quality reporting. • Takeaways from the 2026 New England ASC Conference: water quality in sterile processing, multi-dose vials, and drug diversion. • In the news: CMS's new authority to exclude providers, the states banning physician noncompetes and a New York bill, the CRNA-only anesthesia debate, and the Stark self-disclosure forms required as of November 1. • Focus on Patient Rights (42 CFR 416.50): the posted notice, verbal and written notice before the procedure, physician ownership disclosure, advance directives, grievances, and a six-point check before your next survey. Articles and sources referenced CY 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment Systems final rule (CMS-1850-FC), scheduled for Federal Register publication November 6, 2026 — Federal Register public inspection: federalregister.gov CMS-1850-FC docket CMS-2026-2344 — Regulations.gov: regulations.gov Calendar Year 2027 OPPS and ASC Final Rule fact sheet — CMS (November 4, 2026): cms.gov CMS-1850-FC ASC final rule page, with links to Addenda AA, BB, DD1, DD2, EE and FF — CMS: cms.gov Understanding Medicare's 2027 Final Payment Rule (ASCA members webinar, November 10, 2026) — ASCA: ascassociation.org CMS’ new exclusion authority: What’s at stake for ASCs — Becker's ASC (October 15, 2026): beckersasc.com HHS delegates permissive exclusion authority to CMS — AHA News (October 14, 2026): aha.org The states that ban physician noncompetes — Becker's ASC (October 28, 2026): beckersasc.com New York bill would ban noncompetes for licensed healthcare workers — Becker's ASC (October 27, 2026): beckersasc.com The dilemma behind ASCs’ CRNA-only shift — Becker's ASC (October 22, 2026): beckersasc.com Physician Self-Referral Spotlight (updated SRDP forms required for disclosures submitted on or after November 1, 2026) — CMS: cms.gov The Stark law self-disclosure protocol changes Nov. 1 — here are 5 things to know — Becker's ASC (October 27, 2026): beckersasc.com Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices (multi-dose vial guidance) — CDC (last reviewed March 26, 2024): cdc.gov Focus-segment source — Condition for Coverage, Patient Rights, 42 CFR 416.50 (eCFR): ecfr.gov — 42 CFR 416.50 Standing ASC reference resources Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-416 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions SERVICES & RESOURCES • THREE BRANDS Continue the conversation, build your team’s knowledge, and explore the resources already offered through our three brands. This services section is separate from the episode’s reporting and source notes. ASC Podcast with John Goehle — listen, learn and stay connected Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers Explore the podcast’s episodes and John’s books for continuing discussion of ASC leadership, operations and survey preparation. Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]. Questions and comments: [email protected]. ASC Central — education and resources for your center ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies — consulting support For ASC consulting support, visit Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies at https://ah-strategies.com/. AHS is also a sponsor of this episode. Review the existing offerings directly with the team; this comparison introduces no new service package or commitment.

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, a mandatory CMS specialty payment model starting in January puts quality and cost scores on the line for the specialties ASCs live on, and a proposed $5.7 billion deal would put a health system behind one of the big ASC management companies. Then John sits down with Daren Smith of Surgical Information Systems on building a QAPI program around outcomes instead of boxes — and the difference between a QI activity and a real QI study. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: ‘Consolidation of Consolidators’: Unpacking the $5.7B Bon Secours-Surgery Partners Deal — Ambulatory Surgery Center News (October 27, 2026): ascnews.com HealthSpan Partners to Acquire Surgery Partners (proposed; expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals) — Surgery Partners press release, SEC Form 8-K Exhibit 99.1 (October 26, 2026): sec.gov CMS Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) — mandatory specialty payment model; performance years 2027–2031, payment adjustments 2029–2033 (heart failure & low back pain, two-sided risk) — CMS: cms.gov | ASM FAQs | ASM Model Fact Sheet ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week recordings now available for individual purchase - Premium Access members get all four free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-IV/subchapter-B/part-416 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we look at a new CDC report on unannounced infectious-disease drills, an urgent recall of convenience kits containing BD ChloraPrep applicators, the October update to the ASC payment system, and a new coalition that wants surgery centers involved in employer direct contracting. Then we take a deep dive into the Emergency Preparedness Condition for Coverage.   This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies.   Notes and Resources from this Episode:   Unannounced Drills Using Patient Actors to Evaluate Health Care Facility Readiness for Infectious Disease Outbreaks, January–June 2026 — CDC MMWR (October 1, 2026): cdc.gov   Convenience Kit Recall: Medline Removes Convenience Kits Affected by BD ChloraPrep Applicator Recall (Class I) — FDA (October 13, 2026): fda.gov   Convenience Kit Recall: AVID Medical Removes Convenience Kits Affected by BD ChloraPrep Applicator Recall (Class I) — FDA (October 14, 2026): fda.gov   Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System: October 2026 Update — CMS MLN Matters MM14634, Change Request 14634, Transmittal R13983CP (released October 8, 2026; effective October 1, 2026): cms.gov — MM14634 | Transmittal R13983CP   New Direct-Contracting Coalition Looks to Recruit ASCs for its Cause — Ambulatory Surgery Center News (October 22, 2026): ascnews.com | Coalition launch coverage — Fierce Healthcare (September 25, 2026): fiercehealthcare.com   Focus-segment source — Condition for Coverage, Emergency Preparedness, 42 CFR 416.54 (eCFR): ecfr.gov — 42 CFR 416.54   ASC Quality Collaboration — nine free ASC Toolkits (endoscope reprocessing, environmental infection prevention, hand hygiene, point-of-care devices, prevention of patient falls, safe injection practices, single-use device reprocessing, sterilization and high-level disinfection, and wrong-site prevention), for internal improvement and education use: ascquality.org/toolkits   ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week recordings now available for individual purchase - Premium Access members get all four free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs   Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026   INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE   ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired).   Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member   Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access   Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships/   Important Resources for ASCs:   Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150   Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf   Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som   Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions   Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle:   Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this special episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, recorded at the Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association's Annual Education Conference and Trade Show in Wilsonville, Oregon, John talks with the president of ASCA's board, a vendor who serves on the conference committee, a director of nursing attending her second meeting, and the association's executive director. Then John and Sue go over a few of the accreditation readiness questions from John's own session. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (OASCA) Website: ascoregon.org 2026 Annual Education Conference and Trade Show — October 15–16, 2026, Holiday Inn & Conference Center, Wilsonville, Oregon Interviewed at the Conference: Todd Currier — CEO and Administrator, Bend Surgery Center, Bend, Oregon; President, ASCA Board of Directors; Secretary, Oregon association board Denay Love — Service Point (commercial janitorial services); Oregon association planning and events committee Jeanine Mudd, RN — Director of Nursing, Spine Surgery Center, Eugene, Oregon Simon Schwartz — Executive Director, Oregon Ambulatory Surgery Center Association John's session at the conference: "Advancing Accreditation Readiness: 2026 Findings" — Thursday, October 15, 2026 Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) — membership, benchmarking and advocacy: ascassociation.org 2026 Multi-State Conference — December 3–4, 2026, virtual, presented with the state ASC associations: asc-central.com/2026-multi-state-conference ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week recordings now available for individual purchase - Premium Access members get all four free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) Appendix L PDF Updated Guidance Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. CMS Policy & Memos to States and Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we cover a whistleblower verdict against an Optum-affiliated ASC, the $6 billion wave of ASC M&A activity, new scrutiny of nonprofit ASC profitability, the health systems racing into the ASC space, and what Joint Commission surveyors say ASCs should expect. Then John sits down with Kara Newbury, ASCA's Chief Advocacy Officer, recorded at the CASA Annual Conference in Monterey, California, for a conversation on where the ASC industry stands in Washington heading into 2027. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: Anesthesiologist wins $1.6M whistleblower verdict against Optum-affiliated ASC — Becker's ASC (September 23, 2026): beckersasc.com The $6B ASC buying spree — Becker's ASC (September 22, 2026): beckersasc.com Ambulatory Surgery Centers Show ‘Remarkably High Profitability’ — Ambulatory Surgery Center News (September 28, 2026), citing Plummer, Doyle and Bai, JAMA Health Forum: ascnews.com 8 health systems edging ahead in the ASC race — Becker's ASC (August 25, 2026): beckersasc.com Joint Commission Surveyors Offer ‘Sneak Peek’ of What ASCs Can Expect — Ambulatory Surgery Center News (October 8, 2026): ascnews.com ANNOUNCEMENT — Live Conference Week recordings (Infection Control 101, QAPI, Article 28 Mastery) are now available for individual purchase; IC Coordinator 201 is coming shortly — Premium Access members get all four free: asc-central.com 2026 Multi-State Virtual ASC Conference — December 3–4, 2026, free to members of participating state associations: asc-central.com/2026-multi-state-conference The Survey Guide — John Goehle's book on the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for ASCs: lulu.com The new ASC Central website: asc-central.com INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Member Program — $25/month for an individual listener who wants a richer podcast experience and wants to support the show: the resource library, weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, six recorded conferences, the member forum, the podcast library, and the electronic Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access Program — $3,995/year for the entire surgery center: education, compliance resources and staff training for ASC leaders and owners who need more support without engaging a full management or outsourced-services company. It includes the three leadership bootcamps, ASC Leadership Mastery, Infection Control 101 & 201, Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, the conference library, applicable certificates, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Membership program details: https://asc-central.com/memberships/  |  Live Conference Week recordings: https://asc-central.com/educational-programs/   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this special episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, recorded at the California Ambulatory Surgery Association's Annual Conference, held September 1st through 4th at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, California, John talks to some of the speakers, and the board president. Then he walks through four sessions from the meeting — electronic distraction in the OR, emergency management and life safety, accreditation readiness, and a panel of the accrediting organizations on what they want you to know. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: California Ambulatory Surgery Association (CASA) Website: casurgery.org Annual Conference 2026 — September 1–4, 2026, Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, California   Speakers Interviewed from the Conference: Michelle George — general session: “Fueling Excellence: Elevate. Execute. Excel” Carrie Millsap — President, California Ambulatory Surgery Association; Chief Executive Officer, Monterey Peninsula Surgery Centers Kara Newbury, JD — Chief Advocacy Officer, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (session: “CA and National Legislative Update”) David Shapiro, MD — anesthesiologist, ASC surveyor and longtime industry leader (also presented “Position Your ASC for Accreditation Success”) 2026 Multi-State Conference — presented with the state ASC associations: asc-central.com/2026-multi-state-conference Sessions Recapped in This Episode: Peter Papadakos, MD — “Optimizing Team Performance: Managing Digital Distractions in the OR” Richard Parker — “Emergency Management, Physical Environment, and Life Safety in ASCs” David Shapiro, MD — “Position Your ASC for Accreditation Success” “Checkered Flag Finish: What the Experts Want You to Know” — panel of accrediting organization representatives (AAAHC, The Joint Commission, QUAD A, DNV and ACHC), moderated by Janet Miller ASC Quality Collaboration — nine free ASC Toolkits (endoscope reprocessing, environmental infection prevention, hand hygiene, point-of-care devices, patient falls, safe injection practices, single-use device reprocessing, sterilization and high-level disinfection, and wrong-site prevention): ascquality.org/toolkits CASA upcoming events: Infection Prevention Conference — November 2026, virtual [VALIDATE dates]; CASA Annual Conference 2027 — Huntington Beach, California [VALIDATE dates] ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Tuesday, September 22 - Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Wednesday, September 23 - Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Thursday, September 24 - Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Friday, September 25 - Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, Oregon moves toward a workplace violence rule that names ambulatory surgery centers, AAAHC follows its v45 Standards with a free AI governance guide, and two Insurance plans start steering elective cases out of the hospital and into ASCs — with a health system suing over it. Then John sits down with Amrit Kirpalani, CEO of NovaNav, recorded at the Texas ASC Society meeting, for a practical conversation about where a surgery center should actually start with artificial intelligence, and the questions to ask a vendor before you sign anything. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: Oregon OSHA proposes a workplace violence prevention rule covering ambulatory surgery centers - hearings August 11 and 13, comments closed August 31; adoption expected October 2026, effective January 2027 (July 21, 2026): osha.oregon.gov AAAHC releases the 1095 Advance AI Governance Guide - a complimentary implementation resource for ambulatory care organizations (August 17, 2026): aaahc.org AAAHC v45 Standards - AI governance framework built on leadership accountability, risk assessment, cybersecurity, human oversight and transparency; effective for surveys conducted on or after December 15, 2026 (August 18, 2026): aaahc.org v45 handbooks (free digital versions for 1095 Engage users): store.aaahc.org/handbooks Two Insurers Started Steering Patients to ASCs. Here's What Happened Next - Highmark and Independence Blue Cross site-of-care policies; Jefferson Health's $35.4M suit - Ambulatory Surgery Center News (August 28, 2026): ascnews.com ANNOUNCEMENT - 2026 Multi-State Virtual ASC Conference, December 3-4, 2026, online, presented with the state ASC associations - free to members of participating state associations; state-association participation closes September 30: asc-central.com/2026-multi-state-conference ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Tuesday, September 22 - Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Wednesday, September 23 - Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Thursday, September 24 - Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Friday, September 25 - Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 Leadership training - Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, plus the ASC Leadership Mastery Course: asc-central.com - Leadership Training Guest: Amrit Kirpalani, Chief Executive Officer of NovaNav - session “AI - Who, What, Is It Covered and What Comes Next,” recorded at the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society Annual Conference, Lake Conroe, Texas. INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers

In this special episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, recorded live at the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society's Annual Conference at Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe, John brings back four conversations from the meeting — with the association's president and a board member, the CEO of an AI company working in surgery centers, a compliance attorney, and the society's executive director — for a look at what Texas surgery centers are up against and why the state association is worth joining. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) Website: texasascsociety.org Annual Conference 2026 — August 26–28, 2026, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe, Montgomery, Texas   Speakers Interviewed from the Conference: Adam Hornback, BSN, RN — President, Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society; Administrator, North Texas Team Care Surgery Center Kayla Schneeweiss-Keene, MBA, BSN, RN, CASC — Board Member, Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society; ASC Administrator, Mann Cataract Surgery Center Amrit Kirpalani — Chief Executive Officer, NovaNav (session: “AI — Who, What, Is It Covered and What Comes Next”) Richard Bays, JD — Attorney and Registered Nurse (general session: “Effective Compliance Program for Your ASC”) Krista DuRapau — Executive Director, Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Tuesday, September 22 - Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Wednesday, September 23 - Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Thursday, September 24 - Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Friday, September 25 - Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Become a Patron Member Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Sign up for Premium Access Visit: asc-central.com/memberships to compare both programs

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, AAAHC has released v45 of the Standards — with brand-new Artificial Intelligence requirements and a December 15th effective date — and it's a big week around here too: a new ASC Central website, the 2026 Survey Guide, and our September conference week. Then John talks with Amanda Penrod about leading across the generations — how to mentor, retain, and get the best from a team that can span four decades of experience. Grab a coffee and join John and Sue. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: AAAHC Standards and Policy announcements (v45 FAQs and Policies & Procedures): aaahc.org - Standards and Policies AAAHC Achieving Accreditation - walk-through of the v45 Standards; September 14-16, 2026 (virtual) and December 10-11, 2026 (Las Vegas): aaahc.org - Achieving Accreditation FREE digital v45 handbooks for 1095 Engage users - Help Curtain (right-hand side of the screen), under “Released Handbook (Not Yet Effective)” for each program. Print editions available for preorder, delivery expected late September 2026: store.aaahc.org - v45 handbooks AAAHC has released v45 of the Standards - new Artificial Intelligence Standards in the Administration, Governance, and Credentialing & Privileging chapters (transparency, validation, data privacy and security, human oversight, bias mitigation). Effective for surveys conducted on or after December 15, 2026. Log in to 1095 Engage and select the Standards tab in your organization's Profile: 1095.aaahc.org Is Stark law reform finally on the table? - Becker's ASC (August 11, 2026): beckersasc.com 62% of ASCs cancel, delay cases over anesthesia gaps - Becker's ASC (August 14, 2026): beckersasc.com Half of NPs have been burned out for more than 2 years - Becker's ASC (August 12, 2026): beckersasc.com ANNOUNCEMENT - The new ASC Central website is live: asc-central.com What is changing for current members (the old Mighty Networks site stays open through March 31, 2027): asc-central.com - What's Changing Guide ANNOUNCEMENT - The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition - fully revised and expanded: jgoehle.com The 2026 Survey Guide on Amazon: amazon.com - The Survey Guide for ASCs (2026 Edition) ANNOUNCEMENT - Live Conference Week, September 22-25, 2026 - Premium Access and AHS Client Access members attend free: asc-central.com - Conferences & Programs Tuesday, September 22 - Infection Control Oversight 101 (IC101): asc-central.com/ic101-2026 Wednesday, September 23 - Infection Control Coordinator Training (IC 201): asc-central.com/ic201-2026 Thursday, September 24 - Quality Improvement & Peer Review (QAPI): asc-central.com/qapi-2026 Friday, September 25 - Article 28 Mastery, New York D&TC and ASC: asc-central.com/article-28-2026 Leadership training - Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, plus the ASC Leadership Mastery Course: asc-central.com - Leadership Training ASC Leadership Mastery Course - 28-part video course (regulatory, clinical, staffing, financial); structured preparation for the concepts tested on the CASC exam; included with Premium Access or available separately: asc-central.com - Leadership Mastery Course Guest: Amanda Penrod, CEO and founder of RFX Solutions - “Leading Across the Generations.” INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, live and on-demand conferences, and membership programs — now at asc-central.com (the old conferences.asc-central.com address has been retired). Patron Membership — $25/month, individual: the full resource library (policies, forms, drill kits, templates), weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, all six recorded conferences, the member forum, the complete podcast library, and The Survey Guide for ASCs, 2026 Edition with Appendices A–N. Premium Access — $3,995/year, covering your entire surgery center (not per person): everything in Patron, plus the Administrator, Director of Nursing and Business Office Manager Bootcamps, the ASC Leadership Mastery Course, Infection Control 101 & 201 (CAIP preparation), Annual Mandatory Education, compliance tools and self-assessments, certificates with AEUs and IPCH credits, every new conference we release, and up to five hours of private consulting a year. Compare both programs: asc-central.com/memberships   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website

In this episode of the ASC Podcast with John Goehle, we run through the ASC news that matters — a sweeping CMS enrollment proposal, the anesthesia squeeze, and more — plus a few things we've been seeing out in the field. Then John sits down with two veteran pharmacy consultants for a practical look at medication safety in the surgery center, from patient screening to drug diversion to malignant-hyperthermia readiness. This episode is sponsored by Surgical Information Systems, RFX Solutions, Medserve and  Ambulatory Healthcare Strategies. Notes and Resources from this Episode: CMS seeks new powers to deny or revoke enrollment for “problematic” Medicare providers — Becker’s Hospital Review: beckershospitalreview.com CY2027 Home Health PPS proposed rule (CMS-1844-P) — Medicare enrollment provisions (retroactive revocation, location & affiliation rules, 855B private-equity/REIT disclosure); comments due Aug 31, 2026 — CMS fact sheet: cms.gov Elevance’s 10% out-of-network penalty — 3 payer moves disrupting ASCs, physicians — Becker’s ASC: beckersasc.com Why anesthesia stipends could be inevitable amid outdated ASC models — Becker’s ASC: beckersasc.com Feds: Iowa plastic surgeon defrauded Medicare through false billings — Iowa Capital Dispatch: iowacapitaldispatch.com CMS request for information on episode-based payment for ASCs (ASCA opposed) — ASC News: ascnews.com Companion episode: Episode 283 — Pharmacy Management and Recalls . INFORMATION ABOUT THE ASC PODCAST WITH JOHN GOEHLE ASC Central is our one-stop site for ASC bootcamps, on-demand conferences, and membership programs: conferences.asc-central.com Patron Membership — our base membership for podcast listeners: regular group Zoom sessions, a full resource database to help run your ASC, and several free conferences (Conditions for Coverage, Medical Director, Credentialing, and Finance & Accounting). Become a Patron Member Premium Access Program — includes Patron membership PLUS unlimited Bootcamps (Administrator and Director of Nursing, normally $1,899.99 each), our Credentialing, Conditions for Coverage, Medical Director and Infection Control programs, weekly drop-in Zoom sessions, and up to five hours of private consulting. Sign up for Premium Access Compare both programs: conferences.asc-central.com/membership-programs-2   Important Resources for ASCs: Conditions for Coverage: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=42:3.0.1.1.3&idno=42#se42.3.416_150 Infection Control Survey Tool (Used by Surveyors for Infection Control) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107_exhibit_351.pdf Updated Guidance for Ambulatory Surgical Centers - Appendix L of the State Operations Manual (SOM) https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_l_ambulatory.pdf https://www.cms.gov/medicareprovider-enrollment-and-certificationsurveycertificationgeninfopolicy-and-memos-states-and/updated-guidance-ambulatory-surgical-centers-appendix-l-state-operations-manual-som Policy & Memos to States and Regions CMS Quality Safety & Oversight memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices. https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions Other Resources from the ASC Podcast with John Goehle: Visit the ASC Podcast with John Goehle Website Books by John Goehle Get a copy of John’s most popular book - The Survey Guide - A Guide to the CMS Conditions for Coverage & Interpretive Guidelines for Ambulatory Surgery Centers