Medicare Issues Final Rule for Home Health CoPs - 1/10/2017

On Friday January 9th CMS issued the new Conditions of Participation for Home Health Agencies.  They will be published in the Federal Register on January 13^th.  This final rule revised the conditions of participation (CoPs) that home health agencies (HHAs) must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.  The requirements focus on the care delivered to patients by the HHAs, reflect an interdisciplinary view of patient care, allow HHAs greater flexibility in meeting quality care standards, and eliminate unnecessary procedural requirements.  The effective date for the regulations is July 13, 2017.

Jnon Griffin will be addressing the new CoPs at our New Directions in Home Care seminar that will be held in Las Vegas on January 26^th & 27^th.  We have some space available for the seminar, but it is important to register immediately to ensure you seat.  We have listed a temporary link to the new CoPs below.  The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on January 13th.

Link

https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2017-00283.pdf

Broken Bone Update 1/5/2017

Last month I provided an update on my gracious fall from a ladder, which broke a bone in my left foot.  After seven weeks, I am now able to walk on the foot without the boot.  I went upstairs for the first-time last week since November 13^th.  I found a new bed in my bedroom.  I have been sleeping and working in my old bed for the last seven weeks downstairs.  I will no longer go up on high ladders.  It is much cheaper and less painful to pay someone to do that job.

Margaret and I have been working hard preparing for the Home Health and Hospice seminars that will be held at Bally’s in Las Vegas on January 26^th and 27^th.  We have been preparing the seminar notebooks and making other final preparations.  We have some space available for both seminars, but please register as soon as possible to ensure you reserve your spot.  I believe this will be one of our best seminars ever.  I look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.

Richard Dixon