CMS 2012 OPPS Proposed Rule

CMS released the 2012 OPPS Proposed Rule on July 1. In response to concerns during the CY 2011 OPPS rulemaking cycle regarding appropriate levels of supervision for therapeutic outpatient services, CMS is proposing to establish an independent advisory review process for consideration of stakeholder requests for assignment of supervision levels other than direct supervision for specific outpatient hospital therapeutic services. In the CY 2012 OPPS proposed rule, CMS is proposing to refer questions about supervision of specific services to the APC Panel. CMS is also proposing to add representatives of CAHs to the Panel solely for deliberations relating to supervision levels. It also appears CMS proposes to extend its non-enforcement policy of supervision requirements to CAHs through 2012. The provisions in the proposed rule also include changes to the Medicare EHR Incentive Program that would allow eligible hospitals and CAHs to report clinical quality measures for 2012 by participating in an electronic reporting pilot. Comments on the proposed rule are due to CMS by August 30. More information is available on the CMS website by clicking here. CRHC is reviewing the proposals. If you have any feedback you would like to share, please contact jd@coruralhealth.org or ss@coruralhealth.org.