CMS has added a new blanket waiver related to aide supervision visits for home health and hospice providers impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Current emergencies | CMS
CMS is waiving the requirements at CFR 418.76(h)(1) and CFR 418.76(h)(2) for Hospice and
42 CFR §484.80(h)(1) for HHAs, which require a nurse to conduct an onsite visit every two
weeks. This would include waiving the requirements for a nurse or other professional to
conduct an onsite visit every two weeks to evaluate if aides are providing care consistent
with the care plan, as this may not be physically possible for a period of time. This waiver is
also temporarily suspending the two-week aide supervision by a registered nurse for home
health agencies' requirement at §484.80(h)(1), but virtual supervision is encouraged during
the period of the waiver. All postponed annual onsite assessments (direct observation) for
each aide that provides services on behalf of the agency must be completed by these
professionals no later than 60 days after the expiration of the PHE.
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Mary Carr MPH, BSN, RN
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
The National Alliance for Care at Home
Washington DC
+1 (202) 547-7424
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