CMS will partially delay “two-midnight” rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Thursday that it will delay part of the enforcement of Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) admission and review the “two-midnight” rule. This comes after concern that hospitals may not be able to comply Oct. 1. Earlier this week, more than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a “Dear Colleague” letter, which NRHA supported, circulated by Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) to CMS urging a 6-month delay of a new policy established in the 2014 IPPS final rule. The “two-midnight” policy regarding hospital inpatient admission and review criteria was established in this rule and has been met with resistance from many in the hospital community. NRHA, concerned that these administrative challenges would be compounded for many rural facilities that, generally, have smaller administrative staff than their urban and suburban counterparts, commends these members of Congress for standing up for rural providers. For more information on the Two Midnight Inpatient Admission Guidance and Patient Status Review for Admission on or after October 1, visit CMS’ frequently asked questions.