CMS Proposes Requiring Providers to Notify Beneficiaries of Right to Access QIOs
CMS published a rule on February 2, 2011 that would require certain Medicare-certified providers and suppliers to inform their Medicare beneficiaries about their right to file written quality-of-care complaints with the local Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). The new standard would apply to: ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs); hospices; hospitals; long term care (LTC) facilities; home health agencies (HHAs); comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities; critical access hospitals; clinics and rehabilitation agencies; portable x-ray services; and rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers. Providers and suppliers also would be required to provide Medicare beneficiaries with written notice of the QIO’s contact information, along with state survey agency contact information (ASCs, LTC facilities, and HHAs already are subject to survey information requirements). Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until April 4, 2011.
