Having trouble keeping straight which COVID-19 waiver flexibilities are still in effect and which aren’t? Consult a new HQRP COVID-19 PHE Tip Sheet from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The four-page sheet reviews Hospice Quality Reporting Program exemptions and other flexibilities at www.cms.gov/files/document/hqrpcovid-19-phetipsheetjuly-2020508-compliant.pdf. For example: “The temporary exemptions for Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements end on June 30, 2020,” the sheet says. “Starting on July 1, 2020, hospices are expected to resume timely quality data collection and submission of CAHPS Hospice Survey and HIS records.”
CMS clarifies that “Flexibility waivers will remain in place for the duration of the COVID-19 PHE. For example, the telecommunications waiver remains in effect and can be applied to the HIS.”