Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) did not add any new requirements, but home health agencies are still struggling with the Face-to-Face (F2F) and getting an affirmation. Agencies need to remember that the F2F documentation must be “related” to the primary diagnosis (the primary reason for home care) and must be timely. This means that the encounter…
Hospice Survey Reform
The HOSPICE Act passed out of the House on December 8, 2020. In the version of the bill that will pass as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, routine hospice survey frequency will remain permanently at 36 months (as opposed to 24 months as proposed by the House). The OIG made the following recommendations related…
Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE)
The Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) Cheat Sheet outlines CMS’ design for a new assessment tool for all hospice agencies. Although still in the developmental stages, the assessment strives to be patient-centered to create a more positive end of life experience.
Home Health Certification and Recertification Signatures
On May 7th, CMS issued Change Request 12218 to clarify who is allowed to sign plans of care. The January 1, 2021 benefit policy manual update erroneously included language limiting who was allowed to sign the plan of care when the certifying physician or certifying allowed practitioner (nurse practitioner, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists)…
Proposed Hospice Final Rule Change
CMS proposes to make some of the waiver changes permanent. One of these modifications is regarding hospice aide training. The current CoP, 418.76 (c)(1) specifies aides must be evaluated by observation of their performance of the task with a live patient. The proposed change would affect CoP 418.3 by allowing evaluation of aide competency to…
Coding and COVID-19
During this time of the year coders begin to ponder the potential coding changes that are brought about by the Spring Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting. This year’s virtual meeting proposes multiple changes that will create lots of questions for those of us who spend the majority of the day with our noses pondering the…
Continuity of Business
Although the COVID-19 Pandemic is not over, many business are returning to daily operations and navigating the post-pandemic fall out. There are several steps your agency can take to prepare for State survey. Updating/creating policies to adhere to stringent infection control guidelines and vaccine guidance Updating your Emergency Preparedness Plan to include newly released Interpretive…
Emergency Preparedness Policies
Your agency’s emergency preparedness policies must reflect the recent Interpretive Guidelines released by CMS. Policies should include guidance related to Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), alternate energy sources, patient surge and staffing, facility needs during emergencies among others. These policy changes can and will affect your State survey so prepare now! Appendix Z – State Operations…
National Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder that affects over 1 million people in the U.S. With multiple treatments options now available, those affected can be instrumental in designing a regimen that’s right for them. Education and creating a support team to navigate the mental and physical effects is key. Learn more about the 5 stages…
Emergency Preparedness Plan Changes
On March 26, 2021, CMS released updated interpretive guidelines and updates to Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual (SOM) as well as Expanded Guidance related to Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs). These are effective immediately. One prominent change was the addition of Emerging Infectious Diseases. This addition impacts various aspects of your emergency plan and…
