AHA comments on SNF proposed rule for FY 2020

AHA today submitted comments on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ fiscal year 2020 proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system. Among other changes, the proposed rule would make refinements to the major SNF PPS redesign that was finalized in last year’s rulemaking and will take effect Oct. 1. “The AHA supports the new payment model, known as the patient-driven payment model, in that it would increase overall payment accuracy for SNF patients, especially for the medically complex patients treated at disproportionally high rates by hospital-based providers,” the letter states. “In addition, we are pleased to have been involved in two of the CMS technical expert panels hosted to collect input during its extensive research and development period.” The letter also includes detailed comments on the proposed redefinition of group therapy, as well as proposed changes to quality reporting and patient assessment protocols for SNFs.