CMS extends execution delay for ‘two-midnight’ rule again

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended its enforcement delay for the "two-midnight rule" from Sept. 30 to Dec. 31. 

As previously reported, the rule requires patients to be hospitalized for two nights before they can be characterized as "inpatient," which would also qualify patients for skilled nursing coverage.  "The rule established Medicare payment policy regarding the benchmark criteria that should be used when determining whether inpatient admission is reasonable and payable under Medicare Part A," according to a CMS fact sheet.

Under the extension, CMS said it will not approve Recovery Auditors to conduct patient status reviews for dates of admission between Oct. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2015.

For more information on the update, click here. 

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Megan Combs

Megan Combs was Associate Editor of I Advance Senior Care / Long Term Living from 2013-2018.