Quality assurance guideline for the care of premature and full-term babies now takes into account the current AWMF guideline
22.07.2024 13:20
The Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) has further developed the content of its Quality Assurance Guideline for the Care of Premature and Full-Term Infants (QFR-RL). Firstly, it has updated the guideline in line with the guidelines. It is now based on the best currently available medical knowledge. Secondly, the G-BA has also made some clarifications. The existing staffing requirements will be made more flexible. This also further specifies the nursing ratios for the respective nursing needs.
Starting in 2027, the right to compensation will be forfeited, at least in part, if hospitals fail to comply with minimum requirements. The further development of the guideline also incorporated findings from the "clarifying dialogue" process with those hospitals that had not complied with the minimum requirements of the guideline. Information obtained from data collection from hospitals regarding compliance with staffing requirements (structural requirements) was also taken into account. The three impartial, full-time members of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) submitted the draft resolution to the plenary session for a vote.
New in the directive: Sanctions for non-compliance with minimum requirements from 2027
The basis for the further development of the guideline is the current guideline of the Association of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF) "Recommendations for the Structural Requirements of Perinatal Care in Germany." The technical specifications of the current guideline with the highest level of recommendation are adopted by the guideline as minimum requirements for the respective level of perinatal care. From 2027, hospital locations that do not meet the minimum requirements will have their remuneration reduced pro rata for the days specifically affected by the non-fulfillment. The exact calculation steps are presented in the supporting reasons for the resolution using example calculations. The situation is different with the so-called additional quality requirements: Failure to meet the additional quality requirements is recorded but does not lead to a loss of remuneration.
The QFR-RL defines a tiered concept of perinatal care in hospitals. It regulates mandatory minimum requirements for the care of premature and full-term infants and defines criteria for the allocation of pregnant women to hospitals, which are strictly based on the risk profile of the woman or the child.