Initial Surveys of RHCs and SNFs - Raised to Tier 3 Priority

Congress's appropriation of part of the increase in Medicare Survey and Certification funds requested in the President's proposed FY 2008 budget permits us to raise initial surveys of RHCs and SNFs to Tier 3 priority from Tier 4. For initial surveys assigned Tier 3 priority status, States may prioritize the initial surveys within Tier 3. We encourage States to offer a high Tier 3 status for initial surveys of dialysis facilities given the unique reliance on Medicare on the part of end stage renal disease patients.