As urged by AHA, states may immediately use alternative ways to document that a critical access hospital is a “necessary provider,” the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced today in guidance to state survey agencies. CMS last year issued interpretive guidance that allowed only a state letter dated prior to Jan. 1, 2006 to document that a CAH is an NP. In response, AHA urged CMS to allow a wider variety of documentation, consistent with its past policies. “AHA looks forward to working with CMS as it implements this new guidance to ensure that those CAHs that have rightfully obtained NP designation may continue to participate in the CAH program,” said Priya Bathija, AHA senior associate director of policy. The evaluation guidance and an associated checklist are available at www.aha.org, and should be available at www.cms.gov next week. AHA members affected by the guidance will receive a Special Bulletin next week with more information.

Related News Articles

Headline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 12 released draft guidance for the third round of negotiations for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation…
Headline
The House Ways and Means Committee today advanced its portion of the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation bill by a 26-19 vote along party lines, following an hours…
Headline
The House Ways and Means Committee May 13 began to mark up its portion of the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation bill, with some proposals impacting the health…
Headline
Leaders from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the 2025 AHA Annual Membership Meeting May 5 discussed issues on the agency’s agenda in a…
Headline
The AHA April 30 released a report highlighting how hospitals and health systems continue to experience significant financial headwinds that can challenge…
Headline
The Supreme Court April 29 ruled 7-2 in favor of the Department of Health and Human Services in a case that challenged how HHS applied Congress’ formula for…