On April 19, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued recommendations for Re-opening Facilities to Provide Non-emergent Non-COVID-19 Healthcare: Phase I. The recommendations apply to areas with a low, or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19, in states or regions that have passed Phase I gating criteria that were previously announced by the Administration on April 16, 2020. Initially, the recommendations apply to non-emergent care that is currently on hold, such as chronic disease care, surgery and other procedures, and, eventually, preventive care. CMS is strongly urging maximum use of telehealth. For healthcare systems and facilities that are considering resuming in-person care, CMS recommends careful planning with state public health authorities. The recommendations also caution that all facilities should continually evaluate whether their area continues to have a low incidence of COVID-19 and be prepared to cease non-essential procedures if there is a surge.
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Massachusetts Issues COVID-19 Orders and Guidance for Providers
By Robinson+Cole's Health Law Group on
Massachusetts continues to issue directives and guidance for health care providers in response to COVID-19. In this post we highlight Orders and Guidance issued by Massachusetts Governor Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The guidance addresses topics including collection of COVID-19 demographic information, use of alternative space for provision of health care treatment, health professional licensing, EMS transport of patients, hospital policies for returning exposed health care personnel to work, use of PPE and equipment, and updates for pharmacies.
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CARES Act Provides Vital Financial Support for Health Care Providers on COVID-19 Front Lines
By Conor Duffy & Peter Struzzi on
Posted in Academic Medical Centers, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC), COVID-19, Healthcare Technology, HIPAA, Hospitals and Health Systems, Legislation, Medical Devices, Medicare and Medicaid, Pharmaceuticals and Biologics, Physicians and Allied Health Professionals, Privacy and Security, Reimbursement, Telemedicine
On March 27, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, or the Act), Public Law 116-136, a trillion-dollar stimulus bill intended to provide financial assistance to individuals and business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act contains a broad range of measures intended to bolster the economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsurprisingly, a central focus of the Act is the provision of relief and support for hospitals and health care providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides a brief overview of some of the major pieces of the CARES Act, and the firm will provide additional updates on key aspects of the Act.
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Massachusetts COVID-19 Updates and Guidance Issued
By Melissa (Lisa) Thompson & Robinson+Cole's Health Law Group on
Massachusetts regulators issued several updates regarding Hospital Bed License Expansion, Personal Protective Equipment, and Ambulance Transport to Designated Alternate Sites that receive suspected COVID-19 patients.
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