DOH Provides Guidance on CMS Physician Delegation Memo

CMS recently issued an S&C letter regarding physician delegation of tasks in a nursing home.  The S&C letter updates a prior letter issued in 2003.  The new guidance would have allowed in a dually certified facility, at the state option, for residents under a Medicaid stay to have visits including the initial visit performed by an NPP (non-physician practitioner; a nurse practitioner, physician assistant not employed by the facility).  DOH has reviewed the letter and has indicated that they will continue the current practice of permitting only the physician to complete the initial visit regardless of payment source. 

Contact:  Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832