The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its intention to begin finger print based background checks. Fingerprint-based background checks is a requirement, under §424.518, for any individual with a five percent or greater ownership interest in a provider or supplier that falls under the “high” risk category.

From NAHC: The CMS Innovation Center held a webinar on April 9, 2014 to provide an overview of the Medicare Care Choices Model and application process.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recognizes that conducting a risk assessment can be a challenging task. That’s why ONC, in collaboration with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the HHS Office of the General Counsel (OGC), developed a downloadable SRA Tool [.exe - 66 MB] to help guide you through the process. This tool is not required by the HIPAA Security Rule, but is meant to assist providers and professionals as they perform a risk assessment

Early registration for attendees and exhibitors is strong for Home Care Association of Colorado’s 44th Annual Convention & Home Care Exhibition.

CMS should develop a strategy to communicate with physicians about the requirement.