Submit Comments to CMS: Scope of Practice

• By: admin
• On: 12/27/2019 11:32:37
• In: Payment

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is seeking additional feedback regarding elimination of Medicare regulations that require stricter supervision compared to state scope of practice laws, or that limit health professionals from practicing at the top of their license.

CMS is seeking this feedback in response to the President's Executive Order (EO) on Protecting and Improving Medicare for our Nation's Seniors. The EO directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to propose reforms to the Medicare program, including changes that eliminate supervision and licensure requirements of the program that are “more stringent than other applicable federal or state laws.” CMS emphasized that these requirements limit healthcare professionals.  

CMS also continues to welcome input on ways in which CMS can reduce unnecessary burden, increase efficiencies, and improve the beneficiary experience. I have attached the press release for more information.

We are encouraging all physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students to send their thoughts and comments to APTA's Director of Regulatory Affairs, Kara Gainer (me) at karagainer@apta.org by Friday, January 10, 2020 so that we may incorporate such feedback into APTA's comment letter to CMS.

In addition, in the coming days, APTA will be making available a unique template letter on APTA's Regulatory Take Action webpage for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students to use to submit their own comments. The agency has requested responses by January 17, 2020.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.

Thank you!

Best,

Kara

Kara R. Gainer, JD
Director of Regulatory Affairs
American Physical Therapy Association
1111 North Fairfax Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703/706-8547
APTA.org