- CMS Enhances Nursing Home Rating System with Staffing & Turnover Data
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Proposed Rule: Submit Comments by August 25
- Hospices: Submit Technical Expert Panel Nominations by August 12
- Viral Hepatitis: Talk to Your Patients about Screening
News
CMS Enhances Nursing Home Rating System with Staffing & Turnover Data
CMS launched its enhanced Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System, which integrates data nursing homes report on their weekend staffing rates for nurses and information on annual turnover among nurses and administrators. The updated Star Ratings increase transparency in support of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to improving the quality of nursing homes so nursing home residents receive the reliable, quality care they deserve.
More Information:
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Proposed Rule: Submit Comments by August 25
In order to promote the continuing quality and safety of laboratory testing for the public, CMS and the CDC issued a proposed rule that would update the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) fee regulations. This proposed rule, if finalized, would provide sustainable funding for the CLIA program through a biennial 2-part increase of CLIA fees.
This proposed rule would also:
- Amend histocompatibility and personnel regulations under CLIA to address obsolete regulations and incorporate changes in technology
- Allow CMS to apply alternative sanctions, including civil money penalties, a directed plan of correction, a portion of a plan of correction, and onsite state monitoring to Certificate of Waiver laboratories
More Information:
Hospices: Submit Technical Expert Panel Nominations by August 12
CMS wants input on a special focus program for poor-performing hospices. Visit the Quality, Safety, & Oversight Spotlight webpage to submit a nomination, or learn more.
Viral Hepatitis: Talk to Your Patients about Screening
Viral hepatitis affects millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease. Most people don't know they're infected. On World Hepatitis Day, encourage your patients to get a screening.
Medicare covers viral hepatitis screening and immunization services, including:
- Hepatitis B screening
- Hepatitis B shot & administration
- Hepatitis C screening
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening & high-intensity behavioral counseling to prevent STIs
Your patients pay nothing if you accept assignment. Learn how to check eligibility (PDF) for preventive services. If you need help, contact your eligibility service provider.
More Information:
- Medicare Preventive Services educational tool
- CDC Viral Hepatitis webpage
- Hepatitis Disparities (PDF) data snapshot
- Hepatitis B virus infection screenings, hepatitis B shots, hepatitis C screening tests, and STI screenings & counseling: Get information for your patients
Claims, Pricers, & Codes
Integrated Outpatient Code Editor: Java Beta File Release
Visit the Test Versions - Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (IOCE) Software webpage to get the Java beta version of the April IOCE v23.1 (ZIP) and information about modernizing code editor software and future IOCE beta file releases. Send questions to GrouperBetaTesting@cms.hhs.gov.
Events
Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System Webinar: Using Facilities & Vehicles Templates — August 4
Thursday, August 4 from 2–3 pm ET
Register for this webinar.
CMS will describe these templates you may use to import your costs for:
A Q&A session will follow the presentation. You may send questions in advance to AmbulanceDataCollection@cms.hhs.gov with “August 4 Templates Webinar” in the subject line. During the webinar, we’ll answer these and live questions from the chat box.
More Information:
- Presentation (PDF)
- Ambulances Services Center webpage: includes lists of organizations that must collect data starting in 2022 and report information starting in 2023
- Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule
- CY 2020 PFS final rule
- Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018
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