CMS S&C: 14-02 Issued October 1, 2013 details the following functions that are “closed” and those that are to remain in operation during the current government “Shutdown”.
NOT AFFECTED:
- CLIA survey and certification functions (provided through user fees)
- National background check programs (funded through separate appropriation process)
- CMS vendor contracts awarded prior to October 1, 2013
ESSENTIAL SERVICES — CONTINGENCY PLAN
- Complaint triaged as credible allegations of immediate jeopardy or patient harm [SUCH AS EMTALA — Editorial insertion] will continue to be assessed and investigated, but during the shutdown, state agencies are not required to obtain RO approval prior to investigation of a “deemed” hospital.
- Federal enforcement actions pursuant to a finding of immediate jeopardy or actual harm will continue.
- State SAs are to take action to prevent or mitigate any immediate threats to the life or safety of a beneficiary that do not fit into prior classifications.
- Orderly shutdown of other tasks may be completed within 4 hours of shutdown notice.
ACTIVITIES NOT SUPPORTED — SHUT DOWN
- Standard Surveys: Medicare standard recertification surveys should not be performed.
- Revisits not required to prevent termination of Medicare participation will not be conducted.
- Initial surveys: No Medicare initial surveys will be conducted.
- Initial survey kits for deemed status will not be prepared or processed
- Validation surveys on accrediting organizations will not be conducted.
- Complaint investigations on cases that are not “immediate jeopardy” or “actual harm” cases will not be performed.
- Patient safety initiative pilot surveys will not be performed.
- MDS/OASIS activities will be conducted except to maintain provider reporting.
- Informal dispute resolution activities will not be provided.
- CMP-funded improvement projects that have not previously been approved will be implemented.