CMS is delaying implementation of its new home health agency conditions of participation from July 13, 2017 until January 13, 2018.
Instead of focusing its energy on enforcing minimum quality standards upon marginal providers, CMS hopes now to institute high standards for all home health agencies versus minimum requirements to satisfy.
Under the new conditions, home health agencies that want to participate in Medicare or Medicaid must implement a data-driven system that can help improve care planning, delivery and coordination. Agencies must also renew their focus on patient rights, such as making sure procedures are explained to patients in the language they are most comfortable speaking.
The updated standards received widespread support from many medical groups, including the American Hospital Association.
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