Latest COVID-19 Legislative & Regulatory Developments

Hello LARC-HPNA Member,

Listed below are some of the latest key COVID-19 legislative and regulatory developments compiled by HPNA.  We hope you find them useful to your practice.  Thank you for your continued support of LARC-HPNA!  

Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay well.

Sincerely,

Deborah Greenspan, BSN, RN, CHPN

California State Ambassador

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released more informationabout the distribution of the $100 billion Provider Relief Fund included in the CARES Act. Click here for more information. 

- A total of $50 billion will be allocated to Medicare providers, including the $30 billion that was already released on April 10. The next wave of this $50 billion will be delivered 

- $10 billion will go towards hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots. HHS has contacted hospitals and is currently collecting relevant information necessary to distribute this funding. Hospitals must apply for this funding by midnight PT 

- $10 billion will be distributed to rural health clinics and hospitals as early as next week.

- $400 million will be distributed next week to Indian Health Service facilities, based upon operating expenses.

- Providers will be able to register  for a program that will provide reimbursement for care they provider to uninsured patients.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated guidance to Medicare Advantage Organizations and Part D plan sponsors to inform them of the obligations under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and CARES Act regarding cost sharing for COVID-19 tests and vaccines, and suspension of drug refills during this public health emergency.

- CMS announced additional flexibilities to expand care by allowing licensed, independent freestanding emergency departments in certain States to treat Medicare and Medicaid patients.

- Additionally, CMS compiled a list of resources for health care decision-makers in a cohesive Healthcare Workforce Toolkit.  

- A reminder that CMS is continually providing blanket waivers related to the following: care for patients in Long-Term Care Hospitals; temporary expansion locations of Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; staffing and training modifications in Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Intellectual disabilities; the limit for substitute billing arrangements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated guidance for infection control and laboratories.

The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded nearly $165 million to rural hospitals and Telehealth Resource Centers to help underserved areas combat COVID-19.