Verma calls for "a more tailored and flexible approach" with input from local leaders.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering recommendations for how hospitals in areas with low incidences of COVID-19 can re-open for non-emergency procedures.
"Today, some areas of the country are experiencing fewer cases and lower incidence of the virus, necessitating a more tailored and flexible approach," CMS Administrator Seema Verma said.
"Every state and local official will need to assess the situation on the ground to determine the best course forward, but these guidelines provide a gradual process for restarting non-COVID-19 essential care while keeping patients safe," she said.
The recommendations, released Sunday, target communities that are in Phase 1 of the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again with low incidence or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19 cases.
CMS is calling for a "gradual transition," with providers coordinating with state and local public health officials, and accounting for the availability of personal protective equipment and other supplies, workforce availability, facility readiness, and testing capacity.
To get to Phase 1, states or regions need to pass gating criteria regarding symptoms, cases, and hospitals. However, CMS said recommendations are just that, and are not meant to be implemented by every state, county, or city right now. Ultimately, governors and local leaders will make decisions on whether re-openings are appropriate.
“Every state and local official will need to assess the situation on the ground to determine the best course forward, but these guidelines provide a gradual process for restarting non-COVID-19 essential care while keeping patients safe.”
CMS Administrator Seema Verma
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The recommendations, released Sunday, target communities that are in Phase 1 of the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again with low incidence or relatively low and stable incidence of COVID-19 cases.
CMS is calling for a "gradual transition," with providers coordinating with state and local public health officials, and accounting for the availability of personal protective equipment and other supplies, workforce availability, facility readiness, and testing capacity.