In response to the recent H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak, President Obama and HHS Secretary Sebelius have officially declared a national state of emergency which will allow critical access hospitals to file a request to CMS that would temporarily waive the daily limit of twenty-five occupied beds for critical access hospitals. Though this does not indefinitely lift the limit, nor does it apply to any bed limits for which H1N1 patients are not a contributing factor, it does seek to address the current outbreak and address for surges in patient loads. The waiver is not automatic, and each CAH must submit an individual request to be reviewed by CMS in order for it to be granted. The request must be sent to their regional CMS office. Click here for your regional CMS office contact information. For more information see the links below:
