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Submit Comments about CMS Rule on COVID-19 Reporting for Nursing Homes

June 29, 2020

On May 8, 2020, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an “Interim Final Rule with Comment Period” mandating that nursing homes report certain information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and related but different information to residents, their representatives, and their families. Although the rule went immediately into effect, CMS is providing the public with an opportunity to comment.

The rule contains many essential provisions, and Consumer Voice is pleased that CMS is requiring nursing homes to report data such as the number of cases and deaths.  At the same time, we believe the rule should be strengthened to address gaps in reporting requirements that make it difficult to gain a true picture of what is happening within facilities.

We urge you to submit comments calling on CMS to mandate that additional data be collected and that nursing homes share with residents, their representatives, and their families the same information they report to the CDC.  Comments are due by 5:00pm ET on July 7, 2020.

We have created some guidance to help you write and submit your comments. The guidance includes a list of points you might include as well as a link to the Consumer Voice comment letter. You are free to use or “borrow” anything in the letter that is helpful to you.

The guidance also includes instructions for how to submit your comments.

Please take the time to comment on these important reporting requirements. The data will help in more effectively responding to the pandemic and in preparing for the second wave or even future pandemics. It will also ensure that residents, their representatives, and family members are better informed of the status of COVID-19 in their or their loved one’s facility.

Thank you for your advocacy!