Residential Care Services released a Dear Provider Letter today to all Nursing Homes, regarding the new platform for submission of 1135 Waiver Requests.

When the President declares a disaster or emergency, and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary declares a public health emergency (PHE), the HHS Secretary is authorized to take certain actions, including authorizing waivers under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. One type of waiver is a blanket waiver, to provide flexibilities nationally or to certain geographic areas.

NOTE: Under Section 1135 or 1812(f) of the Social Security Act (regarding extended care services that are not subsequent to a hospital stay), CMS is authorized to issue blanket waivers during a disaster or emergency. Blanket waivers allow CMS to provide flexibilities and modifications nationally or in specific geographic areas. When a blanket waiver is issued, providers or suppliers do not have to apply for an individual waiver.

Read full letter here, which includes training on the new system.