CMS released guidance to help providers transition out of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), which is expected to end on May 11.
CMS recently published 16 provider-specific fact sheets on the expiration of PHE waivers and flexibilities.
The fact sheets detail the timeline of waiver expiration dates for different providers, as well as policies and programs that have already been terminated or made permanent. Certain waivers are slated to end at the PHE conclusion, while others have been extended.
The American Hospital Association (AHA) released a special bulletin that highlights the key provisions mentioned in these waivers. Several notable policies and programs will be affected when the PHE ends, including the following:
- Skilled nursing facility (SNF) bed requirements and availability
- Bed limits and the 96-hour rule for average length of stay for critical access hospitals
- Requirements for discharge to SNF, rehabilitation center, long-term care hospital, and home health agency
- Medicare’s 20% add-on payments for patients diagnosed with COVID-19
The AHA also sent a letter to HHS with recommendations on stabilizing the healthcare delivery system, supporting healthcare workers, and removing unnecessary administrative and regulatory burdens throughout the PHE conclusion.
While some waivers have been extended for two years, other freedoms—including an important Ryan Haight Act provision—will end soon, forcing some providers to take action now. Read more about this here.
Amanda Norris is the Director of Content for HealthLeaders.