An MLN Matters article released Feb. 15 announces CMS has placed new agencies into a provisional period of enhanced oversight.
 
"The provisional period will include a suppression of all Request for Anticipated Payment (RAP) payments for 30 days to 1 year,"  the article states. "RAPs are upfront payments HHAs receive before the beginning of a 60-day episode of home health services. All new HHAs will not receive RAPs as part of their billing process during the period of time they are in the provisional period of enhanced oversight. Each new HHA will receive individual notice of how long it will be in the provisional period of enhanced oversight with RAP suppression—the time period can vary from 30 days to 1 year."