CMS Proposed Changes for 2011

In the proposed rule, released July 2, CMS proposes to modify the supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services to require direct supervision of the initiation of a service followed by general supervision for a limited set of non-surgical extended duration services, including observation services.  This is an important issue for CAHs and rural hospitals to review as it has direct implications on how these facilities are able to provide outpatient therapeutic services.   Another important issue is a proposed list of quality measures that are under consideration for possible future adoption, which include ER Transfer Communication measures. This is another important issue for CAHs and rural hospitals to review in order to make sure that the proposed measures are relevant to rural providers. CMS is accepting public comments on the proposed changes until August 31. For more information, click here.