CMS has delayed until March 1, 2010, the implementation date of a controversial new policy on “Compliance Standards for Consignment Closets and Stock and Bill Arrangements.” By way of background, under a policy adopted last month, CMS is defining and prohibiting certain arrangements where an enrolled supplier of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) maintains inventory at a practice location which is not owned by the enrolled DMEPOS supplier, but rather, owned by a physician, non-physician practitioner or other health care professional for the purpose of distribution (commonly referred to as a “consignment closet” or “stock and bill” arrangement). The original implementation date for the policy was September 8, 2009.