HHS: Reporting certain COVID-19 hospital data optional starting June 10

Hospitals will no longer need to report influenza data and inventory and usage data for bamlanivimab administered alone as part of their daily data reporting related to COVID-19 effective June 10, when reporting data for those fields will become optional, the Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday. Hospitals can upload templates without any change. HHS expects to update its web application early next week.

The Food and Drug Administration last month revoked its emergency use authorization for bamlanivimab when administered alone, which prompted HHS to make those fields optional. The influenza data fields may become mandatory again after Oct. 1, when acute respiratory illnesses are likely to increase, HHS said.

Reporting COVID-19-related data is a condition of participation for hospitals that participate in Medicare. “We are also working closely with CMS, and any entities who would prefer to implement the changes before June 10 are welcome to do so without any penalties,” HHS said. “States that are certified to submit on behalf of their hospitals will make the appropriate changes and communicate any updates to you. Please follow your state guidance on how and when to update your reporting.”