CMS Publishes Final Rule: Sweeping Changes to Home Health Agency CoPs

On January 13, 2017, CMS published its final rule revising the conditions of participation (CoPs) that home health agencies (HHAs) must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The final rule implements the proposed rules published in the Federal Register October 9, 2014 (79 FR 61164), and becomes effective July 13 2017.

Among its many changes, the final rule redefines terms and establishes new standards for the content of comprehensive patient assessments, care planning, coordination of services, quality of care, quality of assessments and performance improvement (QAPI), skilled professional services, home health aid services, and clinical record keeping. The rule also makes changes to personnel requirements including limiting who can be an HHA administrator. To review the final rule in its entirety, click here.