On February 19, 2009, CMS published a notice announcing that it is delaying the effective date of the January 16, 2009 interim final rule with comment period implementing certain changes to the Medicare durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies ("DMEPOS") competitive bidding program mandated by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). Specifically, the effective date has been delayed from February 17, 2009 until April 18, 2009 to give Department officials the opportunity for further review of the issues of law and policy raised by the rule.  Comments on the delay will be accepted until March 23, 2009. Note that the original comment period on the January 16 rule remains unchanged; the public has until March 17, 2009 to submit comments on the substantive policy issues discussed in the rule.