Seema Verma

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has loosened administrative oversight requirements related to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Most notably, non-physician primary care providers, like nurse practitioners, may now provide some services that were formerly restricted to physicians.

The rule updates the program “by removing unnecessary burdens that get in the way of healthcare providers spending time with their patients,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in a statement.

In addition, people convicted of a physical, sexual or drug-related crime may not work for a PACE organization.

“The changes we are making to the PACE program will help to protect our seniors from abuse and neglect,” Verma added.

PACE has more than 100 programs across 31 states. Most participants are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The final rule was posted in the Federal Register June 3.