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In a big win for portable x-ray providers and suppliers, CMS finalized its Omnibus Burden Reduction (Conditions of Participation) Final Rule (CMS-3346-F). This Final Rule removes Medicare regulations identified through CMS’s Patients over Paperwork initiative as unnecessary, obsolete, or excessively burdensome on healthcare providers. Modernizing the Medicare regulations related to the ordering of portable x-ray services, as well as the personnel qualification requirements for portable x-ray technologists, are two issues that NASL has long been advocating on the Hill and to CMS, and the Final Rule addresses both. Download the Final Rule; download CMS’ Fact Sheet, download NASL’s Patients over Paperwork Comments. (9/26/19)
CMS posted the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.17.1 and MDS forms effective October 1, 2019 at the following link: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/MDS30RAIManual.html (9/18/19)
NASL released its full summary and analysis of the FY 2020 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Final Rule. (8/19/19)
CMS issued the FY 2020 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule, which will take effect on October 1, 2019. The Final Rule includes updates to the payment rates used under the SNF PPS for FY 2020. In addition, CMS is also making minor revisions to the regulation text to reflect the revised assessment schedule under the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Read the pre-publication version of the Final Rule; read CMS’ Fact Sheet; read NASL's selected items from the Final Rule of interest to NASL Members. (7/30/19)
CMS issued the CY 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule, which would take effect on or after January 1, 2020. The Proposed Rule includes proposals to update payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the PFS on or after January 1, 2020. Comments are due by September 27, 2019. Read the pre-publication version of the Proposed Rule; read CMS’ Press Release; read CMS’ Fact Sheet; read NASL's initial summary. (7/29/19)
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar today declared a public health emergency in Louisiana to prepare for potential impacts of Tropical Storm Barry. The declaration follows President Trump’s emergency declaration for the state and gives Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) beneficiaries and their healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs. [See Waiver or Modification of Requirements Under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act.] (7/12/19)
CMS has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking new ideas from the public on how to continue the progress of the Patients over Paperwork initiative. The RFI entitled, Reducing Administrative Burden to Put Patients over Paperwork, invites patients and their families, the medical community, and other healthcare stakeholders to recommend further changes to rules, policies, and procedures that would shift more of clinicians’ time and our health care system’s resources from needless paperwork to high-quality care that improves patient health. The RFI is posted in the Federal Register; more information on the Patients over Paperwork initiative is available on the CMS website. The deadline for submitting comments is August 12, 2019.
NASL submitted comments to the Senate Special Committee on Aging's Request for Information (RFI) seeking input related to prevention and management of falls and fall-related injuries. NASL's comments highlighted members’ perspectives on how Medicare can better serve patients by enabling providers to have more opportunities for identifying patients at risk of falls and ensure patients have access to training, services, and other resources to prevent falls. NASL members may access a copy of the comment letter here.
NASL submitted comments in response to CMS’ FY 2020 SNF PPS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Our comments focused on the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP), SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, as well as other issues. A copy of NASL’s comment letter can be accessed here. (6/17/19)
CMS released the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.17 and related MDS forms, effective for October 1, 2019. The RAI Manual and related MDS documents can be found on CMS’ website, which can be accessed here. (5/20/19)
CMS released for public inspection the FY 2020 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Proposed Rule entitled, Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program and Value-Based Purchasing Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2020 (CMS-1718-P). Read CMS’ Fact Sheet. Read NASL's short summary here (member login required). The published FY 2020 SNF PPS Proposed Rule can be accessed in the Federal Register here. (4/19/19)
The National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) is a trade association representing the legislative and regulatory interests of companies that provide physical, occupational and speech-language pathology therapies; portable x-ray/EKG and ultrasound; health information technology systems; and products such as complex medical equipment, parenteral and enteral supplies, equipment and nutrients; and additional specialized supplies for long term and post acute care settings nationally. The mission of NASL is to represent ancillary service providers and suppliers in the long term and post acute care community on healthcare policy and to advocate for high-quality, cost-effective care.
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