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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Special Populations Unit is pleased to announce the creation of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind listserv. This listserv will only be sharing pertinent information, resources, Virtual Targeted Trainings (VTT), and Virtual Office Hours (VOH) specific to these populations. Due to the unique needs that accompany these populations, the Special Populations Unit felt that a listserv specific to these populations would assist in ensuring effective support.
Please contact the Special Populations Unit with any questions.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) placed on display at the Federal Register, the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. Some of the proposed provisions include:
PAYMENT ISSUES
The proposed rule also includes a provision to create a new list of telehealth services (Category 3 ) that would only be available on a temporary basis during public health emergencies (PHE), and through the end of the calendar year in which the PHE ends. These services include:
CMS is soliciting feedback for additional services that should be added to the temporary telehealth list. CMS also clarifies the types of clinicians that can provide assessment and management services, virtual check-ins and remote evaluation services. Additionally, the proposed rule includes a provision that would permit physical and occupation therapists to be permitted to independently furnish maintenance therapy to outpatients, if delegated by a therapist.
PROFESSIONAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE PROPOSALS
The proposed rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2020. Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until October 5, 2020.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released and publicly posted the July 2020 through December 2020 COVID-19 testing plans from all states. These testing plans serve as a roadmap developed in partnership with the Federal government for each jurisdiction’s monthly 2020 testing strategy for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). The plans include details on responding to surges in cases and reaching vulnerable populations including minorities, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults.
Each state plan is required to include details of critical parameters for state testing strategies, including target numbers of tests per month, as outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC) guidance document.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) posted a blog on “Accommodation Strategies for Returning to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The blog examines strategies for returning workers with disabilities to the workplace during the pandemic. Solutions are suggested to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and address physical distancing and communication needs.
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 13 at 3:00 pm there will be a Provider Relief Fund Webinar. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please register here.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MILLIONS OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS NATIONWIDE
Up to 2% of patient revenue regardless of a previous disbursement.
Many health care providers are experiencing significant financial hardships in the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress provided $175 billion in relief funds to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deliver financial relief to hospitals and other health care providers, including those on the front lines of the coronavirus response. Since March, HHS, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has been distributing the funds to various providers in phases to support their increased healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue that are attributable to COVID-19; and to reimburse claims for the testing and treatment of uninsured individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.
The latest phase of funding is now available through August 28, 2020. Visit this web page to learn more and get started with the application.
Who is eligible to apply?
How to apply?