CMS Releases Guidance to Hospice Providers on COVID-19

CMS memos issued March 9, 2020 to State Survey Agency Directors regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides guidance to Medicare and Medicaid hospice providers and for nursing homes regarding:

1. Revised visitation policies for nursing facilities and, including a specific reference to allowing hospice workers entry to nursing facilities. This guidance is found in both the nursing facility and hospice guidance.
2. Coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health departments.
3. Addressing potential and confirmed COVID cases.
4. Mitigating transmission, including screening, treatment, and transfer to higher level care (when appropriate).

Find this guidance on the CMS website.

NHPCO members will find analysis in a Regulatory Alert posted on the NHPCO Alerts and News page online.