CMS recently updated the Code of Federal Regulations for Home Health Services (Part 484) as well as the Medicare Benefit Policy Manuals—Chapter 7 for Home Health Agencies. The changes reflect alterations in the Conditions of Participation released in the home health final rule last year and became effective on January 1, 2022. There is always…
CMS recently updated the Code of Federal Regulations for Home Health Services (Part 484) as well as the Medicare Benefit Policy Manuals—Chapter 7 for Home Health Agencies. The changes reflect alterations in the Conditions of Participation released in the home health final rule last year and became effective on January 1, 2022. There is always a delay in between the issuance of changed rules and the accompanying written updates to these manuals.
Here are the changes made in the documents:
- Notice of Admission: replacement of RAP
- Allowed practitioners: defined and allowed to certify/recertify beneficiaries for eligibility, order HH services, and establish and review care plan
- Occupational therapist: permitted to complete an initial assessment visit and comprehensive assessment when OT is ordered with another qualifying rehab therapy service
- Aide supervision (skilled HH services): allowance of two-way audio-video telecommunications on rare occasions not to exceed one virtual supervisory assessment per 60-day episode
- Aide supervision (non-skilled services): RN must make onsite, in-person visit every 60 days and semi-annually where each patient is receiving care while each aide is performing non-skilled care
- Aide deficiency in delivery of services: aide must complete retraining and competency evaluation (provided by the agency) for deficient skill and all related skills
- Home Health Value-Based Purchasing
