CMS FINALIZES REVAMPED HOME HEALTH AGENCY CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

The industry has long awaited this final rule. CMS first published proposed major revisions to the HHA CoPs in 1997, but never finalized that rule. In October of 2014, CMS issued the most recently proposed CoPs.

The final rule is intended to implement requirements that “focus on patient-centered, data-driven, outcome-oriented process that promotes high quality patient care at all times for all patients.” The rule has a home health crosswalk, which references former requirements which have been relocated, and new standards that are being implemented.