Agencies will want to have their policies updated around an acceptance-to-service policy by Jan. 1, 2025 — the effective date for the newest addition to the Conditions of Participation (CoPs).
 
Located at §484.105(i), the requirement calls for agencies to develop, implement and maintain an acceptance-to-service policy that includes at least:
  • Anticipated needs of the referred prospective patient
  • Caseload and case mix of the agency
  • Staffing levels of the agency
  • Skills and competencies of the agency staff
CMS notes that many agencies already have similar policies in place.
 
Agencies also are required to make available to the public “information regarding the services offered by the agency and any limitations related to types of specialty services, service duration or service frequency.”
 
CMS expects agencies to update this information if a change impacts services available. The final rule published in November estimated agencies will have to update information three to six times annually.