On Friday, July 7, 2017, CMS issued a final rule to change the new Home Health Conditions of Participation effective date from July 13, 2017 to January 13, 2018. Despite this delay, home health agencies should not cease or postpone preparation for the new Home Health CoPs. HEALTHCAREfirst has created a home health conditions of participation blog series to help you navigate through this process.
The new Home Health CoPs updates the current Home Health Conditions of Participation and is comprised of a number of new or modified requirements including:
- A requirement for a communication system that ensures patient needs are being met, care is coordinated, and there is active communication between the home health agency and the patient’s physicians.
- A requirement for a data-driven, agency-wide QAPI program designed to evaluate and improve patient care.
- A requirement that a licensed clinician be responsible for all patient care services, such as coordinating referrals and assuring plans of care meet patients’ needs.
The great news about the new proposed CoP effective date is that your agency will have more time to prepare!
To help you prepare for the new Home Health CoPs, HEALTHCAREfirst has partnered with home health care consultant and regulatory expert, Mary St. Pierre, RN, BSN, MGA, to create a home health conditions of participation blog series regarding the changes to the CoPs that will likely require home health agencies to amend policies, procedures, and forms, including:
- Creating and implementing a QAPI plan, policies, and procedures
- Creating and implementing an Infection Control plan, policies, and procedures
- Creating written plans of care, care coordination, and quality of care
- Skilled professional services and home health aide services
- Maintenance of clinical records
- Personnel qualification requirements
- Meeting new patient rights requirements
- Comprehensive Assessment of Patients
- Emergency Preparedness
- Compliance with Federal, State & Local Laws/Regulations
- Organization/Administration of Services
Be sure to subscribe to our blog to get notifications when new articles in this series are posted!
Have questions about the new Home Health Conditions of Participation? Read our FAQ that addresses home health agencies’ most common questions and concerns.
In the meantime, tell us what you think about the new Home Health Conditions of Participation in the comments section below. Are you ready?