CMS Issues New Rules to Providers in Response to COVID-19

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an interim final rule with comment period that contains policy and regulatory revisions in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This interim final rule provides individuals and entities that provide services to Medicare beneficiaries with the necessary flexibilities to respond effectively to the health threats posed by the spread of COVID-19.

This rule waives numerous regulations across numerous provider types, including inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). Some of the issues addressed include waivers related to IRF coverage rules, covered telehealth services, audit and medical reviews, etc. A document specific to IRFs was also developed for additional guidance. This additional guidance builds off of the blanket waivers that were previously issued by CMS in response to COVID-19.

These changes are effective immediately for all provider types and will be in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This interim final rule will be displayed and published in the Federal Register.