Regulatory Updates

State: Texas

Date Posted : 07/3/2024

Program: Hospice

CMS issued an updated MLN Fact Sheet recently to include that a hospice that is reactivated after being deactivated will be considered a new hospice and thus subject to the period of enhanced oversight for new hospices.  This MLN is applicable to hospices in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas.

State: All

Date Posted : 06/6/2024

Program: Hospice

On June 6, 2024, CMS published a Q&A document related to enrollment requirements for hospice certifying physicians which went into effect June 3, 2024.  CMS notes in the document that the policies in the Q&A document supersede the MLN issued on March 26, 2024, with regards to any possible inconsistencies.

State: All

Date Posted : 05/28/2024

Program: Hospice

On May 28, 2024, CMS issues memo QSO-24-12 Hospice & FQHC/RHC.  In this memo, CMS provided updates to the State Operations Manual Appendix M.  This update issues the L tags related to Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors.  This update was effective immediately.

State: All

Date Posted : 05/3/2024

Program: Home Health, Hospice

On May 3, 2024, CMS released a memo, QSO-24-11-HHA & Hospice, updating the State Operations Manual (SOM) Chapter 10 - Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) and Enforcement Procedures for Home Health Agencies and Hospice Programs.  This chapter outlines the IDR process for State Agencies and outlines potential remedies and sanctions for non-compliance.  All Home Health Agencies and Hospice providers should familiarize themselves with this chapter.  CMS outlines specific instances when a HHA or Hospice, deemed by an Accreditation Organization, may fall back under the authority of the State Agency and may face remedies or sanctions for non-compliance.

State: New Jersey

Date Effective : 07/1/2024

Program: Home Care

The New Jersey legislature approved the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Act January 12, 2024.  This act will be effective July 1, 2024.  Healthcare Service Firms are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Act.  The Act addresses employment rights and protections including, but not limited to, minimum wages and overtime pay; written contracts between domestic workers and employers; meal/break times; hours worked; termination of the contract.

State: All

Date Posted : 06/13/2024

Program: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, Pharmacy

In 2022, the improper payment rate for hospital beds and accessories was 22.7%, with a projected improper payment amount of $14.5 million (see 2022 Medicare Fee-for-Service Supplemental Improper Payment Data (PDF), Tables G2 and K4). Learn how to bill correctly. Review the hospital beds and accessories provider compliance tip for more information, including:

• Coverage requirements:
  • Variable height feature
  • Electric powered hospital bed adjustments
  • Side rails
• Documentation requirements
• Resources