CMS will stop enforcement discretion for the home health Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) on August 3, regardless of the public health emergency (PHE).
 
According to CMS, “after the choice selection periods, home health claims in all demonstration states including Illinois, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and Florida, with billing periods starting on or after August 31, 2020, will be subject to review under the requirements of the choice selected.”
 
On August 3, 2020, the initial choice selection period will begin in North Carolina and Florida and will end on August 17, 2020. Ohio’s choice selection period for their second review cycle will start on August 3, 2020 and end on August 17, 2020, according to CMS.
 
Industry reaction from Florida and North Carolina associations have been one of shock and dismay.
 
“To put out an onerous regulatory requirement in the middle of the pandemic in two states that are spiking the way Florida more so and North Carolina are is beyond belief,” says Timothy Rogers, president and CEO of the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina.
 
Other industry insiders echoed that sentiment.
 
CMS said in provider burden relief FAQs, “given the importance of prior authorization activities to CMS’ program integrity efforts, CMS expects to discontinue exercising enforcement discretion beginning on August 3, 2020, regardless of the status of the public health emergency (PHE).”
 

For more information about Review Choice Demonstration for Home Health Services visit:  https://go.cms.gov/2CoSiw8.