From the latest on the Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics Orthotics and Supplies Competitive Bidding changes, to the Patient-Driven Groupings Model, to legislation affecting how providers do business, HomeCare is here to keep you informed. Find news and articles from our experts to guide you as you navigate the policies that affect your business.

Complex Rehab Competitive Bidding Exclusions Added to Appropriations Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 18, 2019)—Provisions permanently excluding manual complex rehab technology (CRT) wheelchairs from the competitive bidding program have been included in FY 2020 appropriations legislation. The legislation also exempts CRT manual accessories from bidding-derived pricing for an 18-month period, starting Jan. 1, 2020.

Review Choice Launch Date Announced for Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 3, 2019)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announced that the next state to participate in the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) is Texas and it will begin on Dec. 2, 2019. CMS also indicated that implementation of RCD in the remaining states of North Carolina and Florida is expected to begin on March 30, 2020, as CMS is pausing implementation to allow for the transition to PDGM which begins on Jan. 1, 2020.

New Legislation Allows Occupational Therapists to Order Home Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 20, 2019)—New bipartisan legislation has been introduced in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives that would grant occupational therapists the authority to open home health cases. Under current law, only nurses, physical therapists and speech language pathologists can open a home health case by performing the patient assessment.