Under a 2008 decision of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, the Secretary of HHS has authority under the Medicare statute to include a hospital patient’s time in observation as part of inpatient time in the hospital for purposes of … [Read more...] about CMS has Authority Under Existing Law to Define Inpatient Care
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Delivery and Set-Up Guidelines for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is charged with the implementation and oversight of the DMEPOS program.[1] Since the rollout of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program (CBP) in July, 2008, there has been confusion over … [Read more...] about Delivery and Set-Up Guidelines for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
Memorandum: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS. Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.
To: Medicare Beneficiary AdvocatesFrom: Mario D. Ramsey, CMA Health Policy FellowSubject: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS. Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.Date: July 8, … [Read more...] about Memorandum: GAO and OIG Reports Note No Problems In Beneficiary Access to DMEPOS. Beneficiary Advocates Disagree.
Corporations Don’t Bleed: The Disturbing Hobby Lobby Decision
The Supreme Court decision in Burwell, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al. v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., et al. (5-4 decision), 573 U.S. ___ (2014) is ominous. Not only is the decision, and its interpretation of the Religious Freedom … [Read more...] about Corporations Don’t Bleed: The Disturbing Hobby Lobby Decision
Nurse Staffing: Requirements of Federal Law
Federal law sets out few specific requirements for nurse staffing. These requirements have not been revised since they were established by the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law[1] and became effective on October 1, 1990. Nursing Home Reform … [Read more...] about Nurse Staffing: Requirements of Federal Law
Deficiencies for “Sufficient” Staffing
The federal Nursing Home Reform law requires nursing facilities to have "sufficient" staff to meet their residents' needs.[1] Sufficient nursing staff is universally recognized as a key requirement for making high quality of care … [Read more...] about Deficiencies for “Sufficient” Staffing
The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
June 26, 2014Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program was enacted by Congress as a cost and fraud protection measure. From its inception, there have been questions … [Read more...] about The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
Observation Status – Notice and Appeal
Connecticut Passes Observation Notice LawOn June 12, 2014, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed into law a requirement that, starting October 1, 2014, Connecticut hospitals give oral and written notice to patients placed on observation … [Read more...] about Observation Status – Notice and Appeal
The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Research suggests that medications that should be covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit are sometimes paid for by Medicare Part D plans. In March, to prevent this from happening, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a … [Read more...] about The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from Enforcement
June 12, 2014Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from EnforcementIn the past few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has focused considerable attention on … [Read more...] about Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from Enforcement