The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently provided details on the Infection Control Focused Audits now being completed across the United States in agencies. These agency surveys are random and have been noted to require expedited turn-around of records for the agency response. CMS created the Guidance for Infection Control tool for use in these surveys to ensure compliance with infection control procedures expected during the pandemic. The tool provides a f...

On April 27, 2020 Governor Greg Abbott announced in a press release the first phase of the State of Texas plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Details outlining phase one can be found in the Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas, along with checklists that outline the Texas Department of State Health Services’ (TDSHS) minimum standard health protocols for all businesses and individuals to follow. In response to p...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued temporary amendments to the home health and hospice regulations to allow the use of telecommunications technology in conjunction with home visits. The use of telecommunications technology must be related to the services being furnished and must be included on the plan of care, along with a description of how it will help to achieve the goals on the plan of care, without serving as a substitute for a visit ordered on the...