cms.gov/files/document/covid-dme.pdf), CMS states
that “CMS is waiving signature and proof of delivery requirements for Part B drugs
and Durable Medical Equipment when a signature cannot be obtained because of
the inability to collect signatures. Suppliers should document in the medical record
the appropriate date of delivery and that a signature was not able to be obtained
because of COVID-19.” This statement appears to waive all signature requirements,
not just those for proof of delivery. CMS has also acknowledged that health care
providers need to focus on taking care of patients, and not spend resources on
audits and other medical review activities, and has suspended these activities.
Both Congress and CMS recognized the need to expand to non-physician
practitioners the ability to order medical equipment and supplies, under the
Medicaid home health benefit. About eleven states previously limited the
ordering of these items to physicians; the expansion of ordering authority
increases Medicaid recipient access to necessary medical supplies and equipment.
CMS made this change in its Interim Final Rule (effective retroactively to
March 1). Congress also included in the CARES Act a provision to permanently
allow these additional practitioners to order these items and services, giving
CMS six months to implement the change.
In a move broadly welcomed by consumer, clinical and provider organizations,
CMS is removing non-invasive ventilators (NIVs) from the Medicare
competitive bidding program that is scheduled to go into effect in January 2021.
With the short supply, supply chain and patient access issues, CMS made the
right decision at the right time.
Understanding that we are operating in an unprecedented time, the American
Association for Homecare issued a Policy Statement, urging the HME community
to exercise sound judgment in applying the new guidance from CMS. This
is critically important if our industry is to continue to be viewed in such a
positive light over the long term. Let’s collectively make sure we successfully
continue to the other side of that “tipping point,” and our industry will flourish
for years to come.