CHA Issues FAQs on Debt Collection, Fair Billing Practices
To assist members in the implementation of Assembly Bills 1020 and 532, which pertain to health care debt and fair billing practices, CHA has compiled frequently asked questions. These are the most common questions that CHA has received about the two bills; responses have been provided by the California Department of Public Health.
CHA’s Compliance Manual Updated for 2022
The California Hospital Compliance Manual, which provides guidance to hospitals and health systems on how to comply with myriad California and federal statutes, regulations, and agency guidelines, has been updated through February 2022.
CMS Opens Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Process
On April 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) opened the federal independent dispute resolution (IDR) process for providers to resolve out-of-network payment issues covered under the No Surprises Act (NSA).
HHS Seeks Comments on Cybersecurity Practices and HIPAA Penalties
The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights has issued a request for information on the security practices of covered entities and its determinations on fines, audits, and remedies to resolve potential violations of the 1996 HIPAA Security Rule.
CMS Terminates Certain COVID-19 Blanket Waivers for Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will end certain COVID-19 blanket waivers for nursing homes, with the specified waivers ending in either 30 or 60 days from April 7.
CMS Issues Updated No Surprises Act FAQs
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two new No Surprises Act FAQs this week.
CMS Revises Survey Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued revised surveyor guidance on its final rule requiring COVID-19 vaccination for health care staff.
CDC Updates Mask Guidance for Visitors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance to recommend that people visiting health care facilities use the most protective form of source control, including N-95 masks.
HCAI Provides Updates on Vulnerable Populations for Hospital Community Benefits Plans
Per a recent update from the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), hospitals should begin consulting with community groups to identify community needs in the new “vulnerable populations” definition categories during their Community Health Needs Assessments.
CMS Resumes Laboratory Survey Activity
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it will fully resume laboratory survey activity — as required by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) — following a suspension in enforcement action during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).