Survey and Certification Issues Related to Iowa and Indiana Flooding Disasters

Several States in the Midwest have been seriously affected by tornados, severe thunderstorms, and flooding. The citizens of Indiana and Iowa have especially faced extraordinary circumstances in coping with extensive flooding and damage, which has also affected many health care facilities and hundreds of patients and residents. The President has declared a national emergency in specified counties of Indiana and Iowa, and Mike Leavitt, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has also declared a public health emergency in the specified Indiana and Iowa counties. CMS may waive or modify, to the extent necessary, certain requirements or timetables, if providers, acting in good faith to provide needed services, are unable to comply with the requirements as a result of the effects of the disaster.