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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday a number of related to COVID-19. The waivers apply nationwide and are generally retroactive to March 1, 2020. They include waivers that:

• Expand access to COVID-19 testing, including serological and antibody tests;
• Expand flexibility around treatment locations;
• Expand access to telehealth;
• Allow for additional workforce capacity; and
• Eliminate certain administrative requirements.

Download the AHA Special Bulletin for a detailed summary of the new waivers important to hospitals and health systems.

In a statement, AHA president and CEO Rick Pollack said, “America’s hospitals and health systems appreciate CMS issuing additional regulatory waivers, urged by the AHA, which will help provide needed tools, flexibility and relief in the fight against COVID-19. In particular, we are pleased that CMS will allow teaching hospitals to increase their number of temporary beds without facing reduced payments for indirect medical education. We also thank CMS for expanding telehealth services for patients, mitigating financial penalties for ACOs because of costs associated with responding to the pandemic, and ensuring that certain hospital outpatient departments that relocate off-campus have the resources needed to continue delivering care. The AHA looks forward to working with CMS on additional waiver suggestions so hospitals and health systems on the front lines can provide the right care in the right location.”