In a recent move to curb misuse and fraud within the hospice industry, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) took definite steps towards change. August 22, 2023, marked the day when CMS announced the conduct of surprise site visits to each Medicare-enrolled hospice facility across the United States. This drive is an extension of CMS’s ongoing efforts to ensure better regulatory compliance and uphold the integrity of the system.
This news has significant implications for legal professionals in any law firm or corporation involved in healthcare, particularly those dealing with Medicare or Medicaid regulations. The ramped-up oversight might require adjustments in the internal auditing, risk assessment, and compliance measures currently in place.
One immediate outcome of this action will be a spotlight on the hospice industry’s regulatory adherence. Corporations with stakes in the hospice care sector will need to review their policies close at hand for any potential non-compliance risks.
In the interest of maintaining a legally sound operational environment, it would be worthwhile for any organization involved with Medicare to stay alert to these developments. They should regularly peruse authoritative outlets and updates, such as this one provided by McGuireWoods LLP, as part of their broader regulatory management approach.