Providers challenge Verma on citations

Frustrated providers are becoming increasingly anxious with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services over its lack of final guidance for Phase 3 of the Requirements of Participation. Implementation date is now less than a month away (Nov. 28), and provider advocates are hoping for a reprieve.

As of now “Phase 3 as you know it has to be implemented” next month, Janine Finck-Boyle, LeadingAge’s vice president of regulatory affairs, told attendees Monday during a policy session at the organization’s annual Meeting & Expo in San Diego. 

Last week, LeadingAge called on CMS Administrator Seema Verma to delay the enforcement of all measures under the final phase of the Requirements of Participation due to a lack of guidance. Finck-Boyle also noted the organization has resources and tools to help providers be in compliance with the requirements. 

Monday’s session featured insight from several policy experts on various topics including updates on legislation, housing, workforce and reimbursement. 

They noted that LeadingAge is still working with CMS to somehow change its newly implemented consumer alert icon on the consumer-facing Nursing Home Compare website. 

“CMS thinks this is transparent but we know (consumers) aren’t going to go any further,” Finck-Boyle said. “You’re going to see a hand and you’re going to just move on and find another nursing home, and that’s not what we think is the best way to actually have information out there.”

The LeadingAge conference has attracted 6,501 providers and other attendees to the San Diego Convention Center. The event runs through Wednesday.