CMS proposed a rule on May 4 that would require all hospitals participating in Medicare or Medicaid to offer all patients an annual influenza vaccination, unless medically contra-indicated or unless the patient declines vaccination.
The proposed rule is intended to increase the number of patients receiving annual vaccination against seasonal influenza and to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates from influenza. The proposed rule would also require certain providers and suppliers to develop policies and procedures that allow them to offer vaccinations for pandemic influenza. This requirement would prepare for the case of a future pandemic influenza event for which a vaccine could be developed.
The rule would apply to all types of participation hospitals, including short-term acute care, psychiatric, rehabilitation, long-term care, children's and cancer hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, federally qualified health canters and end-stage renal disease facilities. CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule until July 5, 2011.
Read the CMS proposed rule in the Federal Register.
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The proposed rule is intended to increase the number of patients receiving annual vaccination against seasonal influenza and to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates from influenza. The proposed rule would also require certain providers and suppliers to develop policies and procedures that allow them to offer vaccinations for pandemic influenza. This requirement would prepare for the case of a future pandemic influenza event for which a vaccine could be developed.
The rule would apply to all types of participation hospitals, including short-term acute care, psychiatric, rehabilitation, long-term care, children's and cancer hospitals, critical access hospitals, rural health clinics, federally qualified health canters and end-stage renal disease facilities. CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule until July 5, 2011.
Read the CMS proposed rule in the Federal Register.
Related Articles on CMS:
Caromont Health CEO Valinda Rutledge Heads to CMS
Can RACs Review a Claim More Than Once?
Who Are the Medicaid RACs?