Guidelines that reduce nursing home fines published in 2017 you may have missed

The Trump administration appears to be following through with its promises to scale back on regulatory burdens imposed upon nursing homes with new guidelines published gradually throughout 2017. The new guidelines discourage regulators from imposing excessive fines on nursing homes, according to a New York Times article.

CMS recommends billing staff become aware of updates to “Always Therapy” code edits

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published an update that deleted the procedure code 97532 from the list of “Always Therapy” codes used to track the Medicare Part B therapy caps. The coding requirement change is effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 2018.

CMS proposes initiative to address improper SNF discharges

According to a memo published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on December 22, 2017, post-acute care discharges that violate Federal regulations continue to be one of the most frequent nursing home complaints made to State Long Term Care Ombudsman Programs.

OSHA increases penalty rates

To adjust for inflation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) increased their civil monetary penalties for other-than serious, serious, and failure to abate violations (from $12,615 per violation to $12,934, an increase of $319) as well as the penalty for willful and repeat violations (from $126,749 per violation to $129,336, an increase of $2, 587). OSHA’s final rule puts these increases into effect for penalties issued after January 2, 2018.

SNF QRP full confidential feedback reports now available

The Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Confidential Feedback Reports/Quality Measure Reports containing the assessment and claims-based IMPACT Act measures are now available via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting System.

CHAP announces CMS approval of 2018 standards

CMS has approved the 2018 standards set forth by the home health accrediting body Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP). CHAP’s 2018 Standards of Excellence for Home Health Providers incorporates the new Medicare CoPs.

CMS webinar’s transcript and audio available

An audio recording and transcript is now posted in the related links section for the December 14, 2017 webinar on Removal of Influenza Vaccination Measure from Quality of Patient Care Star Rating.

Brain tumor patients face late hospice enrollment

A Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) study finds that almost 40% of brain tumor patients never enroll in hospice, and a quarter of those who do may enroll too late for full benefits.

HCPro career center year-end special: Save 15% on all job postings