HHS Finalizes HTI-2 Rule Advancing Interoperability through TEFCA

By:

On December 11, 2024, the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) at the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (HTI-2) Final Rule. This rule aims to advance interoperability and enhance the access, exchange, and use of electronic health information through the […]

Read More

OIG Audit Reveals Gaps in OCR’s HIPAA Audit Program

By:

On November 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) published findings from an audit of the Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) HIPAA Audit Program. The report highlights significant shortcomings in OCR’s implementation and oversight of the program, raising concerns about the protection of electronic protected health […]

Read More

Revised Medicare Non-Coverage Notices Issued

By:

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has renewed the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC, CMS-10123), and the Detailed Explanation of Non-Coverage (DENC, CMS-10124). The NOMNC and DENC renewed notices contain updates which are applicable only to Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees. Providers must use the current notices until December 31, 2024, and are required to […]

Read More

CMS Clarifies Data Changes on OASIS submission

By:

In light of a recent data breach that could compromise a beneficiary’s MBI, the Alliance submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) the following question. Following the question is CMS’ response. Below is from the Medicare Claims Processing Manual, chapter 10, section 10.1.19 – Payment Adjustments – Applying OASIS Assessment Items to […]

Read More

CMS Listening Sessions on Improving Health in Rural Communities

By:

This listening session will focus on access and delivery in rural health care, and key takeaways from CMS Innovation Center Rural Health Hackathons and a listener Q&A. Insights from this session will help inform the Innovation Center’s strategy on addressingcommon rural health issues. The listening session will take place on Wednesday, November 20 from 12:00-1:00 […]

Read More

Caring for those Who Care: Compliance tips for Home Health

By:

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is hosting a free virtual roundtable conversation to offer tips on how to comply with federal laws. During the roundtable, federal agency representatives will discuss common violations, compliance tips, and resources available for workers and employers. Roundtable participants include: Participation is free, but capacity is limited.

Read More

New CMS Open Door Forum

By:

The next Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6, 2024, PM at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). Please log on at least 15 minutes prior to the forum start time. **This Agenda is Subject to Change** Chair – Brian Slater, Center for Medicare, CMS Co-Chair- […]

Read More

Home Health Quality Reporting Update

By:

The October 2024 quarterly refresh for the Home Health Quality Reporting Program is now available on Care Compare. For this refresh, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and HH QRP claims-based measures have been updated. All OASIS and claims-based measures are now based on the standard number of quarters. The October 2024 refresh […]

Read More

CMS Makes 2 Post Acute Health Equity Updates

By:

On October 15, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the two annual post-acute care (PAC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports: The Discharge to Community (DTC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report and the Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary (MSPB) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report. These reports are available to providers in the Home […]

Read More

HHS Working to Increase Access, Supply of IV Fluids Following Hurricane Helene

By:

Following storm damage from Hurricane Helene at Baxter International Inc.’s facility in North Carolina, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its subagencies continue taking action to support access to intravenous (IV) fluids, including ensuring restoration of key production sites, protecting products, and opening imports, in partnership with manufacturers, distributors, hospitals, and […]

Read More

Impact of Hurricanes on Providers

By:

The impacts of Hurricane Helene have led to the temporary supply disruption at the Baxter facility in Marion, North Carolina. The Baxter facility provides a significant portion of IV solutions, irrigation fluids, and peritoneal solutions to the U.S. medical system. There are currently shortages of normal saline IV fluids, normal saline irrigation fluid, sterile water […]

Read More

CMS Resources & Flexibilities to Assist with Florida Public Health Emergency

By:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced yesterday additional resources and flexibilities available in response to Hurricane Milton in Florida. CMS is working closely with the State of Florida and federal partners to put these flexibilities in place to ensure those affected by this natural disaster have access to the care they need […]

Read More