HHS Secretary Javier Becerra extended the Public Health Emergency, for another 90 days, as anticipated. Specifically, he declared: “As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date (April 15, 2021) and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, pursuant to the authority vested in me under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, do hereby renew, effective April 21, 2021, the January 31, 2020, determination by former Secretary Alex M. Azar II, that he previously renewed on April 21, 2020, July 23, 2020, October 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, that a public health emergency exists and has existed since January 27, 2020, nationwide.”

With this extension, the current 1135 waivers have also been extended (with the exception of those outlined in CMS memo QSO-21-17-NH). CMS will be terminating select 1135 waivers effective May 10, 2021. The waivers that will be terminated relate to notice of transfer and discharge, notice of room or roommate change, timely submission of MDS, and timely completion of care plans. The 3-day stay waiver and all other waivers remain in effect until the end of the public health emergency. For more information on terminated waivers, read here. We have also updated the federal blanket waivers chart, which can be accessed here.

Questions?

Contact:

Alyssa Odegaard- Vice President, Public Policy 

c: 206.948.2279