PYA Principal Martie Ross is quoted in the Report on Medicare Compliance April edition in an article that details the changing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations with the expiration of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The article, “CMS Ends Certain Nonhospital Waivers; Separate Workflows May Smooth the ‘Great Unwind,’” outlines which waivers will end with the end of the PHE and what flexibilities, such as those for certain telehealth services, will remain for a time thereafter. In the article, Martie notes that hospitals and providers should consider that there are two separate workstreams: 1) waivers for capacity to return facilities to pre-PHE operations, and 2) waivers for regulatory burden. She recommends providers closely rely on CMS’ list of waivers to remain compliant with changing regulations.
Article Excerpt
The waivers for capacity are about returning your facilities to pre-PHE operations. To the extent you made modifications for surge capacity, reconfigured hospital units, used outpatient facilities for inpatient hospital care or established quarantine units, “all that needs to return to normal,” Ross said. It’s a good idea to have this in the works because “we have been in this for two years, so roots grow deep quickly.”
She thinks addressing the waivers on regulatory burden will be the steeper hill to climb. They’re very broad, and “we have become used to them.”
Read the full article here.
If you have questions or need assistance related to PHE waivers and compliance, or need additional COVID-19 guidance, visit PYA’s COVID-19 hub. One of our executive contacts would also be happy to assist. You may email them below or call (800) 270-9629.
