CMS Revises HHA Survey Protocols

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised its training on the use of the Home Health Agency (HHA) Survey Protocols, clarifying that the phrase “consider citing the Condition” directs surveyors that they may consider citing the Condition, and this should not be interpreted as overriding the surveyor's judgment. Prior to this, CMS training suggested that the phrase “consider citing the Condition” meant the surveyor should cite the deficiency.

“[W]hen the phrase ‘consider citing the Condition’ is used, the intent is to ensure that the citation be carefully evaluated with respect to evidence and is not intended to preclude surveyor judgment,” CMS clarified in a letter dated Sept. 11th. The new policy went into effect immediately.

Contact: Cheryl Udell, cudell@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871