New waiver authorities for hospice and home health providers

Posted in COVID-19, Home Health and Hospice

Sharon Hamilton MS, RN, CFDS
Clinical Consultant, Briggs Healthcare

CMS has posted new waiver authorities for hospice and home health providers the following link: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/summary-covid-19-emergency-declaration-waivers.pdf.  These waivers are effective retroactive to March 1 and are among changes NAHC has sought relief on.

Home health

  • Allow OTs to conduct the initial and comprehensive assessment for all patients

Hospice

  • Waive the 12 hour in-service requirement
  • Allow use of pseudo-patients for aide competency testing