Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

CMS Beefs Up Home Health Regs

New home health regulations will “…improve the quality of health care services for Medicare and Medicaid patients and strengthen patients’ rights,” according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which published the new regulations. The new regulations call for a comprehensive statement of patient rights, better communication between patients and providers, data-driven assessment of the quality of care providers deliver, a stronger focus on infection control, better coordination of services with other providers, and new qualifications for home care personnel. Learn more about the new regulation in this CMS news release and in the regulation itself.

CMS Considers Expanding PACE

The federal government is considering expanding its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly to younger participants with disabilities. It also is considering expanded access to the program to as-yet unspecified “other populations.” The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking public input on these possibilities. To learn more, see this CMS news release, which outlines the agency’s interests and offers a link to its formal Request for Information seeking input on prospective PACE expansion. Comments are due February 10.