CMS ISSUES GUIDANCE ON HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/)

Guidance Applies to Specialty and All Other Hospitals Except Rural Critical Access Hospitals

CMS Continues to Implement the Strategic Plan for Specialty Hospitals Reported to Congress in August, 2006

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance today clarifying the responsibility of hospitals provide emergency services if they participate in the Medicare program. The guidance makes it clear that nearly all hospitals; including specialty hospitals and others without emergency departments; must be able to evaluate persons with emergencies, provide initial treatment, and refer or ransfer these individuals when appropriate. The guidance does not apply to critical access hospitals (CAHs), which are small, rural hospitals that are subject to eparateregulation.

The guidance was issued in a Survey and Certification letter. The announcement was made at the annual meeting between CMS and the Directors of the State Agencies that contract with CMS to survey hospitals and other Medicare providers and suppliers to ensure compliance with quality of care standards.