Today The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for the Home Health Conditions of Participation (CoP) Delay. Items that previously had a July 13, 2017 implementation date have been delayed until January 13, 2018. The phase-in date for performance improvement projects has been revised to July 13, 2018 with all other QAPI requirements effective January 13, 2018. ..

Texas Health and Human Services and Texas OASIS Helpdesk released their April 2017 OASIS Matters newsletter. This newsletter is a great resource for all Licensed and Certified Home Health Services (L&CHHS). The April 2017 OASIS Matters Newsletter has information on: ..

Hospice agencies who are due for renewal of their HHS contract are required to complete both a Data Use Agreement (DUA) and a Security and Privacy Initial Inquiry (SPI). At this time, it is unclear which, if any, hospice subcontractors (such as DME, pharmacy, etc.) must be covered by the DUA. Each agency will have to assume responsibility for deciding which sub-contractors meet the standard of inclusion. ..