The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule that modernizes the Home Health Agency Conditions of Participation (CoPs).

The final rule, effective on July 13, 2017, will improve the quality of health care services for all home health patients and strengthen patients’ rights. The regulation reflects the most current home health agency practices by focusing on the care provided to patients and the impact of that care on patient outcomes. This regulation focuses on assuring the protection and promotion of patient rights; enhances the process for care planning, delivery, and coordination of services; and builds a foundation for ongoing, data-driven, agency-wide quality improvement. These changes are an integral part of CMS’ overall effort to improve the quality of care furnished through the Medicare and Medicaid programs, while streamlining requirements for providers.

The final rule can be viewed at the Federal Register website at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current