What’s new: CMS posted the text of the final rule changing the regulations affecting skilled nursing facility (SNF) provider enrollment beginning, revalidation, and change of ownership (CHOW).

• AHCA/NCAL has developed a detailed summary of the changes (member login required).

What’s happening: CMS posted a display copy of updates to the calendar year (CY) Final Rule for the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), other Medicare Part B policies, and Medicare and Medicaid provider enrollment policies. Many of these updates impact skilled nursing providers.

• The final rule will be officially posted in the Federal Register on November 18, 2022.

Most notably: Effective January 6, 2023, SNFs that are initially enrolling or undergoing a CHOW fall within the “high” screening category under 42 CFR § 424.518.

Other details:

• SNF revalidations are processed at the “moderate” screening level.
• These changes include the addition of site visits for all SNF providers and fingerprint-based criminal background checks for five percent or greater direct and indirect owners at specific times.

Questions? Email Dan Ciolek AHCA/NCAL’s associate vice president, therapy advocacy.