CMS Issues Memo to State Survey Agency Directors Suspending Compliance with Vaccination Standard
CMS
Update: CMS Vaccine Mandate Facing Legal Challenges, ETS Comment Period Extended
Adult Autism Waiver Renewal Approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
ODP Announcement 21-084 announces that the renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) was approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 18, 2021. As communicated in ODP Announcement 21-067, the renewal of the AAW has no substantive changes from the previously approved waiver.
The renewal was submitted with no substantive changes because some previously proposed changes to the AAW conflicted with the requirements of Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act and CMS guidance that was published in May of 2021. The renewal is effective July 1, 2021, and can be found on the DHS website.
Because the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is not making the changes it originally planned to the AAW, ODP will not be implementing the proposed rates published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on May 22, 2021. Any new proposed changes to rates will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin for a public comment period prior to implementation.
CMS Vaccine Mandate for All ICFs
A message from Kevin Dressler, Bureau Director of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP):
The CMS Interim Final Rule outlining the Vaccination Requirements for all staff and contractors providing services for Medicare and Medicaid certified providers published on 11-05-21 applies to Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs). Below are several links outlining the Vaccine Requirements and Deadlines associated with the Interim Final Rule.
- Staff Vax National Stakeholder Slides
- CMS Omnibus Staff Vax Requirements PDF
- Federal Register website
Please contact your ODP Regional Office liaison if you have concerns meeting the demands of the Vaccination Mandate.
Kevin Dressler | Bureau Director
Department of Human Services
Office of Developmental Programs
Bureau of State Operated Facilities
Room 508 Health & Welfare Bldg | Harrisburg, PA 17120
Office Phone: 717-425-5686
Cell Phone: 570-809-3759
Fax: 717.787.6583
Final Guidance Issued by CMS on Hospital Co-Location Arrangements
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued their revised and final guidance on hospital co-location with other hospitals or health care facilities. The guidance provides clarification on how CMS and state surveyors will evaluate space and service sharing arrangements for compliance with the Medicare conditions of participation (CoP). The guidance appears to loosen some restrictions relative to some past interpretations by surveyors.
ANCOR Slides, FAQs, and Recording From Member Briefing on OSHA & CMS Vaccine Mandates
CMS Hospital/Quality Initiative Open Door Forum Scheduled for November 17
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be conducting the hospital/quality initiative open door forum on November 17, 2021 from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Agenda topics include the following:
- Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Final Rule;
- OPPS Payment;
- Pass-Through Drugs and Devices;
- ASC Payment;
- Hospital Price Transparency;
- Radiation Oncology (RO) Model;
- RO Model Website;
- RO Model Help Desk or 1-844-711-2664, option 5; and
- Open Q&A.
*COVID-19 related questions are welcome*
ANCOR Forum: Members Only Briefing on OSHA and CMS Vaccine Regulations
CMS: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements For Health Care Providers and Suppliers
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a one-page overview titled “COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Health Care Providers and Suppliers.” The one-pager gives an overview of the facilities and organizations that are required to participate in the vaccine mandate as well as guidance for meeting the standards and the enforcement process.
RCPA continues to engage with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Governor’s office on Pennsylvania specific recommendations and guidance as it relates to this mandate. We will continue to apprise members of any changes or state specific implications.
CMS Announces November 10 COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Call
CMS Announces November 10 COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Call
Releases Links & Slides From Previous Call
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that another COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination National Stakeholder call (associated with the release of the November 4 emergency regulation) will be conducted on November 10, 2021 from 3:30 pm–4:30 pm. To participate in this call, registration is required. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email that contains information about joining the webinar. Members are encouraged to log in prior to the call beginning, as the call can only accommodate 10,000 participants.
The slides and video from the November 4, 2021 National Stakeholder call are available if you were unable to get into that call. CMS also released its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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