Providers are gearing up to take advantage of a federal request that could cut regulations they find burdensome.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is seeking feedback as it considers the elimination of Medicare regulations that require “more stringent supervision than existing state of scope of practice laws, or that limit health professionals,” according to an agency memo.
The request comes after an October executive order called on the Department of Health and Human Services to propose several reforms to the Medicare program.
“CMS has engaged in and is continuing to look for opportunities in the Medicare program that would eliminate federal barriers that are more stringent than current state scope of practice laws or that limit professionals from practicing at the top of their license,” Ruth Katz, LeadingAge’s senior vice president for policy and advocacy, told McKnight’s.
“The opportunity for LeadingAge members and other providers is to inform CMS of opportunities to eliminate federal barriers that interfere with the delivery of effective and coordinated care,” she added.
Katz said LeadingAge will submit recommendations regarding both regulatory and legislative approaches that will reduce provider burdens within the Medicare program.
Katz said an example of one of these approaches that need a legislative change is the allowance of “advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to order home health.” She added that CMS could continue to support the practice through waivers and through their budgetary request process.
Comments can be submitted to [email protected] with the phrase “Scope of Practice” in the subject line. Submissions are due by Jan. 17.
