{"description":"Documents matching 'where practitioner engaged practice telemedicine'","count":205,"total_pages":11,"next_page_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents?conditions%5Bterm%5D=where+practitioner+engaged+practice+telemedicine&format=json&page=2","results":[{"title":"Special Registrations for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 (the \"Ryan Haight Act\") generally requires an in-person medical evaluation prior to the issuance of a prescription of controlled substances but provides an exception to this in-person medical evaluation requirement where the practitioner is engaged in the \"practice of telemedicine\" within the meaning of the Ryan Haight Act. These proposed regulatory changes would establish a Special Registration framework and authorize three types of Special Registration. This proposed rulemaking also provides for heightened prescription, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. DEA believes such changes are necessary to effectively expand patient access to controlled substance medications via telemedicine while mitigating the risks of diversion associated with such expansion. A summary of this rule may be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DEA-2023-0029.","document_number":"2025-01099","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01099/special-registrations-for-telemedicine-and-limited-state-telemedicine-registrations","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-17/pdf/2025-01099.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01099.pdf?1736948758","publication_date":"2025-01-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"}],"excerpts":"Act \n provides seven (7) distinct categories of the \n <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> \n in which a prescribing <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> need not satisfy the \n Ryan Haight Act's \n in-person medical evaluation requirement, yet nonetheless may be able to prescribe a controlled substance for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional <span class=\"match\">practice</span>.\n 6 \n \n In these circumstances, provided certain safeguards are in place to ensure that the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> who is <span class=\"match\">engaged</span> in the \n <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> \n is able to conduct a \n bona fide \n medical evaluation"},{"title":"Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services are amending their regulations to expand the circumstances under which practitioners registered by the Drug Enforcement Administration are authorized to prescribe schedule III-V controlled substances approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid use disorder via a telemedicine encounter, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter. Under these new regulations, after a practitioner reviews the patient's prescription drug monitoring program data for the state in which the patient is located during the telemedicine encounter, the practitioner may prescribe an initial six-month supply of such medications (split amongst several prescriptions totaling six calendar months) through audio-only means. Additional prescriptions can be issued under other forms of telemedicine as authorized under the Controlled Substances Act, or after an in-person medical evaluation is conducted. This regulation also requires the pharmacist to verify the identity of the patient prior to filling a prescription. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 generally requires an in- person medical evaluation prior to issuance of a controlled substance prescription. However, this regulation falls under one of the exceptions found within the Ryan Haight Act. Additionally, this regulation does not affect practitioner-patient relationships in cases where an in-person medical evaluation has previously occurred. The purpose of this regulation is to prevent lapses of care by continuing some of the telemedicine flexibilities that currently exist for those patients seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.","document_number":"2025-01049","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01049/expansion-of-buprenorphine-treatment-via-telemedicine-encounter","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-17/pdf/2025-01049.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01049.pdf?1736948756","publication_date":"2025-01-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"},{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"}],"excerpts":"treatment \n 42 \n \n of OUD via <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> encounter, to include an audio-only <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> encounter, if all of the following certain conditions were met: (1) the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> would have needed to be registered under 21 U.S.C. 823(g), \n see \n 21 CFR 1301.13(e)(1)(iv), in the state in which the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> was located; (2) the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> would have needed to be authorized by state law to engage in the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> in both the state <span class=\"match\">where</span> the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> is located and the patient is located; (3) the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> would have needed to be"},{"title":"Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule authorizes Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) practitioners acting within the scope of their VA employment to prescribe controlled substances via telemedicine to a VA patient with whom they have not conducted an in-person medical evaluation. VA practitioners are permitted to prescribe controlled substances to VA patients if another VA practitioner has, at any time, previously conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the VA patient, subject to certain conditions.","document_number":"2025-01044","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/17/2025-01044/continuity-of-care-via-telemedicine-for-veterans-affairs-patients","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-17/pdf/2025-01044.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01044.pdf?1736948756","publication_date":"2025-01-17","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"},{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"}],"excerpts":"to 21 U.S.C. 829(e)(3)(A), there is an exception to this in-person medical evaluation requirement <span class=\"match\">where</span> the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> is “<span class=\"match\">engaged</span> in the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>.” \n 11 \n \n Pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 802(54), the \n <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> \n means “the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of medicine in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws by a <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> (other than a pharmacist) \n 12 \n \n who is at a location remote from the patient and is communicating with the patient, or health care professional who is treating the patient, using a telecommunications system"},{"title":"Health Care Professionals Practicing Via Telehealth","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, with changes, a proposed rule to amend its medical regulations that govern VA's health care professionals who practice health care via telehealth. This final rule implements the authorities of the VA MISSION Act of 2018 and the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. This final rule enables VA to maximize health care resource utilization and provide safe and convenient national health care to veterans using telehealth. It also strengthens VA's role in supporting national and State responses to war, terrorism, national emergencies and natural disasters.","document_number":"2025-19324","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/02/2025-19324/health-care-professionals-practicing-via-telehealth","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-10-02/pdf/2025-19324.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19324.pdf?1759322726","publication_date":"2025-10-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS","name":"Veterans Affairs Department","id":520,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/veterans-affairs-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/520","parent_id":null,"slug":"veterans-affairs-department"}],"excerpts":"address the standards of <span class=\"match\">practice</span> that health care professionals should follow while <span class=\"match\">practicing</span> via telehealth. No changes are being made to the rule in response to this comment. \n Comments Related to VA's National Standards of <span class=\"match\">Practice</span> and Sope of <span class=\"match\">Practice</span> \n Multiple commenters addressed <span class=\"match\">practice</span> standards for various health care professional occupations. One commenter raised concerns about how quality of care would be affected were VA to increase the scope of <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of non-physician health care professionals when they <span class=\"match\">practice</span> via telehealth particularly"},{"title":"Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment","type":"Rule","abstract":"The \"Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 (the SUPPORT Act),\" which became law on October 24, 2018, amended the Controlled Substances Act to expand the conditions a practitioner must meet to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and expand the options available for a physician to be considered a qualifying physician. The SUPPORT Act also allowed a pharmacy to deliver prescribed controlled substances to a practitioner's registered location for the purpose of maintenance or detoxification treatment to be administered under certain conditions by a practitioner. The Drug Enforcement Administration promulgated an interim final rule with request for comments in November 2020 to amend its regulations to make them consistent with the SUPPORT Act and implement its requirements. On December 29, 2022, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022 removed many of the statutory provisions of the SUPPORT Act. This final rule adopts the provisions of the interim final rule that are still applicable as final, with minor changes. In addition, this final rule implements the related provisions of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.","document_number":"2026-11526","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/09/2026-11526/implementation-of-the-substance-use-disorder-prevention-that-promotes-opioid-recovery-and-treatment","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-09/pdf/2026-11526.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-11526.pdf?1780922715","publication_date":"2026-06-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"}],"excerpts":"of a <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> who is a physician; and as physician assistants and nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> are the majority of <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> who are not physicians, DEA used the average wages of physician assistants and nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> to estimate the wages of a <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> who is not a physician. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that median hourly wage for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> are $107.41, $60.58, and $58.47, respectively.\n 26 \n \n The average wage of physician assistants and nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> is"},{"title":"Telemedicine Prescribing of Controlled Substances When the Practitioner and the Patient Have Not Had a Prior In-Person Medical Evaluation","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"Under the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 and Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) implementing regulations, after a patient and a practitioner have had an in-person medical evaluation, that practitioner may use telehealth to prescribe that patient any prescription for a controlled medication that the practitioner deems medically necessary. The Ryan Haight Act and DEA's implementing regulations do not apply to other forms of telemedicine, telehealth, or telepsychiatry that are not otherwise addressed in the Controlled Substances Act. This proposed rule applies only in limited circumstances when the prescribing practitioner wishes to prescribe controlled medications via the practice of telemedicine and has not otherwise conducted an in-person medical evaluation prior to the issuance of the prescription.","document_number":"2023-04248","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/01/2023-04248/telemedicine-prescribing-of-controlled-substances-when-the-practitioner-and-the-patient-have-not-had","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-01/pdf/2023-04248.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-04248.pdf?1677526230","publication_date":"2023-03-01","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"}],"excerpts":"802(54)(G), a <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> may prescribe controlled substances to patients whom the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> has not evaluated in person. \n A. Part 1300: Definitions \n In section 21 CFR 1300.04, DEA is proposing to add definitions for the following terms: <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>; qualifying <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> referral; <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> encounter; <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> prescription; and <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> relationship established during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition, DEA proposes to amend its regulations to clarify one aspect of the definition of the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of telemedicine"},{"title":"Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications","type":"Rule","abstract":"On March 1, 2023 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), promulgated two notices of proposed rulemakings (NPRMs) soliciting comments on proposals to allow for prescribing of controlled medications pursuant to the practice of telemedicine in instances where the prescribing practitioner has never conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the patient. Those NPRMs resulted in 38,369 public comments, which are being closely reviewed. DEA, in concert with HHS, is considering revisions to the proposed rules set forth in the NPRMs. In the meantime, and following initial review of the comments received, DEA, jointly with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is issuing this temporary rule to extend certain exceptions granted to existing DEA regulations in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (COVID-19 PHE), in order to avoid lapses in care for patients. Ultimately, there will be a final set of regulations permitting the practice of telemedicine under circumstances that are consistent with public health, safety, and effective controls against diversion.","document_number":"2023-09936","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/05/10/2023-09936/temporary-extension-of-covid-19-telemedicine-flexibilities-for-prescription-of-controlled","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-05-10/pdf/2023-09936.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-09936.pdf?1683636324","publication_date":"2023-05-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"},{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"}],"excerpts":"necessary to develop new <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> companies that might encourage or enable problematic prescribing <span class=\"match\">practices</span>. DEA stresses that, while certain <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> companies may engage in problematic behavior, many <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> companies are <span class=\"match\">engaged</span> in good faith, patient-centered prescribing <span class=\"match\">practices</span>. DEA looks forward to working with them—and future companies in this space—to further enhance patient access to needed medications when <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> prescriptions are appropriate and issued in the usual course of professional <span class=\"match\">practice</span> following \n bona fide"},{"title":"Ophthalmic Practice Rules (Eyeglass Rule)","type":"Rule","abstract":"The Federal Trade Commission (\"FTC\" or \"Commission\") is publishing a final rule to implement amendments to the Ophthalmic Practice Rules (\"Eyeglass Rule\" or \"Rule\"). These amendments require that prescribing eye care practitioners obtain a signed confirmation after releasing an eyeglass prescription to a patient and maintain each such confirmation for a period of not less than three years. The Commission is permitting prescribers to comply with automatic prescription release via electronic delivery if they first obtain verifiable affirmative consent from the patient and maintain a record of such consent for a period of not less than three years. The amendments further clarify that the presentation of proof of insurance coverage shall be deemed to be a payment for the purpose of determining when a prescription must be provided. Finally, the Commission amends the term \"eye examination\" to \"refractive eye examination\" throughout the Rule.","document_number":"2024-15620","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/26/2024-15620/ophthalmic-practice-rules-eyeglass-rule","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-26/pdf/2024-15620.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-15620.pdf?1721911513","publication_date":"2024-07-26","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION","name":"Federal Trade Commission","id":192,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-trade-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/192","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-trade-commission"}],"excerpts":"deceptive acts or <span class=\"match\">practices</span> in or affecting commerce.\n 28 \n When amending or repealing the Rule, the Commission follows the same section 18 procedures governing the adoption of rules \n 29 \n and, in doing so, engages in a multi-step inquiry. To make a determination that an act or <span class=\"match\">practice</span> is unfair, the Commission evaluates the following questions: (1) Does the act or <span class=\"match\">practice</span> cause or is it likely to cause substantial injury to consumers? (2) Is the injury to consumers outweighed by countervailing benefits that flow from the act or <span class=\"match\">practice</span> at issue? and"},{"title":"Expansion of Induction of Buprenorphine via Telemedicine Encounter","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is amending its regulations, in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to expand the circumstances under which individual practitioners are authorized to prescribe schedule III-V narcotic drugs or combinations of such drugs that have been approved for use in continuous medical treatment (also referred to as maintenance) or withdrawal management treatment (also referred to as detoxification)-- via a telemedicine encounter, including an audio-only telemedicine encounter.","document_number":"2023-04217","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/03/01/2023-04217/expansion-of-induction-of-buprenorphine-via-telemedicine-encounter","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-01/pdf/2023-04217.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-04217.pdf?1677526230","publication_date":"2023-03-01","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"}],"excerpts":"evaluation requirement <span class=\"match\">where</span> the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> is “<span class=\"match\">engaged</span> in the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>” \n 7 \n \n within the meaning of the Ryan Haight Act (21 U.S.C. 802(54)). Consistent with the Ryan Haight Act's purpose of preventing diversion of controlled substances by means of the internet, the Act's definition of “the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>” does not encompass all forms of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>. Rather, as set forth in 21 U.S.C. 802(54), the Ryan Haight Act's definition of the “<span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>” includes seven distinct categories of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> that Congress determined"},{"title":"Medicare and State Health Care Programs: Fraud and Abuse; Request for Information Regarding the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and Beneficiary Inducements CMP","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This request for information seeks input from the public on whether any additions or modifications are needed to the safe harbor regulations under the Federal anti-kickback statute or the exceptions to the civil monetary penalty provision prohibiting inducements to beneficiaries (the \"Beneficiary Inducements CMP\") for emerging direct-to-consumer (\"DTC\") sales programs established by pharmaceutical manufacturers, including those that will be available through TrumpRx.","document_number":"2026-01817","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/29/2026-01817/medicare-and-state-health-care-programs-fraud-and-abuse-request-for-information-regarding-the","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-29/pdf/2026-01817.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-01817.pdf?1769548507","publication_date":"2026-01-29","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services","name":"Inspector General Office, Health and Human Services Department","id":245,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/inspector-general-office-health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/245","parent_id":221,"slug":"inspector-general-office-health-and-human-services-department"}],"excerpts":"or arranges for a referral of health care items or services to a particular <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> or provider; or \n • any other factors the Secretary deems appropriate in the interest of preventing fraud and abuse in Federal health care programs. \n \n In giving HHS the authority to protect certain arrangements and payment <span class=\"match\">practices</span> under the Federal anti-kickback statute, Congress intended the safe harbor regulations to be updated periodically to reflect changing business <span class=\"match\">practices</span> and technologies in the health care industry.\n 2 \n \n Since July 29, 1991, there"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This major final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for: the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; the Ambulatory Specialty Model; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.","document_number":"2025-19787","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/05/2025-19787/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-11-05/pdf/2025-19787.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-19787.pdf?1761945018","publication_date":"2025-11-05","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"and reporting while others were not.\n \n \n • \n Potential Measurement Error: \n We are concerned that sampled <span class=\"match\">practices</span> were not able to accurately report the data necessary to respond to the PPI and CPI Surveys. For example, the survey contractor found that <span class=\"match\">practices</span> frequently had challenges reporting the number of physicians working in the <span class=\"match\">practice</span>. One may expect that the number of physicians in a <span class=\"match\">practice</span> is relatively easier for <span class=\"match\">practices</span> to measure than some of the specific costs integral to reporting PE/HR. However, the contractor noted that—prior"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This major proposed rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for: the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; the Ambulatory Specialty Model; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program.","document_number":"2025-13271","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/16/2025-13271/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2026-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-16/pdf/2025-13271.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-13271.pdf?1752524111","publication_date":"2025-07-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"and reporting while others were not.\n \n \n • \n Potential Measurement Error: \n We are concerned that sampled <span class=\"match\">practices</span> were not able to accurately report the data necessary to respond to the PPI and CPI Surveys. For example, the survey contractor found that <span class=\"match\">practices</span> frequently had challenges reporting the number of physicians working in the <span class=\"match\">practice</span>. One may expect that the number of physicians in a <span class=\"match\">practice</span> is relatively easier for <span class=\"match\">practices</span> to measure than some of the specific costs integral to reporting PE/HR. However, the contractor noted that—prior"},{"title":"David Bockoff, M.D.; Decision and Order","type":"Notice","abstract":null,"document_number":"2025-02421","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/10/2025-02421/david-bockoff-md-decision-and-order","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-10/pdf/2025-02421.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-02421.pdf?1738942595","publication_date":"2025-02-10","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE","name":"Justice Department","id":268,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/justice-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/268","parent_id":null,"slug":"justice-department"},{"raw_name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","name":"Drug Enforcement Administration","id":116,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/drug-enforcement-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/116","parent_id":268,"slug":"drug-enforcement-administration"}],"excerpts":"of any written opinion by Dr. H. \n See, e.g. \n Tr. 594.\n \n \n \n \n According to RX 8, how a <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> evaluates a patient, from March 31, 2020 through the duration of the public health emergency, depends on whether \n \n the <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> previously examined the patient in person. \n Id. \n If so, then the “[p]ractitioner may conduct any needed follow-up evaluation by any method in person, <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>, telephone, email, etc.” \n Id. \n If not, then a <span class=\"match\">Practitioner</span> who is prescribing “buprenorphine for maintenance or detoxification treatment of an opioid"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of establishment of new policies for, the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act); update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; updates to the diabetes payment structure and PHE flexibilities; expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Parts C and D Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act.","document_number":"2024-25382","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/12/09/2024-25382/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-12-09/pdf/2024-25382.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-25382.pdf?1730492138","publication_date":"2024-12-09","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"proposal to continue to permit the distant site <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> to use their currently enrolled <span class=\"match\">practice</span> location instead of their home address when providing telehealth services from their home through CY 2025. We also received comments requesting that we make this extension or a similar policy permanent. These commenters highlighted the need for a permanent solution for <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> who do not have an in-person <span class=\"match\">practice</span> location. Other commenters requested clarification regarding whether the <span class=\"match\">practitioner's</span> home address could be across a state line from"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2025 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program; and Medicare Overpayments","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This major proposed rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; codification of, and proposing policies for, the Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022; updates to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program expanded model; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; updates to drugs and biological products paid under Part B including immunosuppressive drugs and clotting factors; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; updates to policies for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers; electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act); update to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; updates to Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule regulations; updates to the diabetes payment structure and PHE flexibilities; expansion of colorectal cancer screening and Hepatitis B vaccine coverage and payment; establishing payment for drugs covered as additional preventive services; Medicare Parts A and B Overpayment Provisions of the Affordable Care Act.","document_number":"2024-14828","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/07/31/2024-14828/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-07-31/pdf/2024-14828.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-14828.pdf?1720642528","publication_date":"2024-07-31","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"\n We note that throughout this proposed rule, unless otherwise noted, the term “<span class=\"match\">practitioner</span>” is used to describe both physicians and nonphysician <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> (NPPs) who are permitted to bill Medicare under the PFS for the services they furnish to Medicare beneficiaries. \n B. Determination of PE RVUs \n 1. Overview \n <span class=\"match\">Practice</span> expense (PE) is the portion of the resources used in furnishing a service that reflects the general categories of physician and <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> expenses, such as office rent and personnel wages, but excluding malpractice (MP)"},{"title":"Calendar Year 2027 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the Expanded HH Value-Based Purchasing Model; Medicare Provider Enrollment, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and DME, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Policies","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would set forth routine updates to the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, this proposed rule discusses the behavior adjustment and proposes a temporary behavior adjustment and proposes to recalibrate the case-mix weights and update the functional impairment levels; comorbidity subgroups; and low- utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2027. Additionally, this proposed rule discusses the provision of home health palliative care services and includes a request for information (RFI) on a home health specific wage index. This rule would also propose changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) and summarizes potential initiatives to improve alignment between the HH QRP and expanded Home Health Value Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model. Lastly, the rule would--clarify the application of the DMEPOS face-to- face encounter requirements for the replacement of DMEPOS items; make changes to the provider and supplier enrollment requirements; make changes regarding DME benefit expansion for infusion pumps and drugs; and discuss collection of information requirement changes regarding the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) country of origin.","document_number":"2026-13602","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/06/2026-13602/calendar-year-2027-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate-update-requirements-for-the-hh","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-07-06/pdf/2026-13602.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-13602.pdf?1782936912","publication_date":"2026-07-06","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"Act permits certain physicians and <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> to opt-out of Medicare. Under opt-out, neither the physician/<span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> nor the beneficiary submits a bill to Medicare for services performed. Instead, the beneficiary pays the physician/<span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> out-of-pocket and neither party is reimbursed by Medicare. A private contract is signed between the physician/<span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> and the beneficiary that states, in essence, that neither can receive payment from Medicare for the services performed. The physician/<span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> must also submit an affidavit to"},{"title":"Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder","type":"Rule","abstract":"This final rule modifies and updates certain provisions of regulations related to Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) with Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in OTPs. This includes making flexibilities put forth during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) permanent, as well as expanding access to care and evidence-based treatment for OUD. The final rule also removes all language and rules pertaining to the Drug Addiction and Treatment Act (DATA) Waiver from the regulations pursuant to the \"Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023\".","document_number":"2024-01693","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/02/02/2024-01693/medications-for-the-treatment-of-opioid-use-disorder","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-02-02/pdf/2024-01693.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01693.pdf?1706807349","publication_date":"2024-02-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Office of the Secretary"}],"excerpts":"one of the seven distinct categories of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> envisioned under the statutory definition of the <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span>. In order to prevent lapses in care, these exceptions allowed for the prescribing of controlled medications via <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> encounters even when the prescribing <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> had not conducted an in-person medical evaluation of the patient.\n \n \n These <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> flexibilities authorized <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> to prescribe schedule II-V controlled medications via audio-video <span class=\"match\">telemedicine</span> encounters, including schedule III-V narcotic"},{"title":"Promoting Telehealth in Rural America","type":"Rule","abstract":"In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks to provide vital support to assist rural health care providers with the costs of broadband and other eligible services. By offering discounted rates for these services, the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program enables health care providers to better treat patients in rural areas that often have fewer medical resources and higher service rates than in urban areas.","document_number":"2024-00415","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/11/2024-00415/promoting-telehealth-in-rural-america","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2024-01-11/pdf/2024-00415.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-00415.pdf?1704894328","publication_date":"2024-01-11","agencies":[{"raw_name":"FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION","name":"Federal Communications Commission","id":161,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/federal-communications-commission","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/161","parent_id":null,"slug":"federal-communications-commission"}],"excerpts":"Healthcare Providers \n \n 48. \n Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists). \n This industry comprises establishments of health <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> having the degree of M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) primarily <span class=\"match\">engaged</span> in the independent <span class=\"match\">practice</span> of general or specialized medicine (except psychiatry or psychoanalysis) or surgery. These <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> operate private or group <span class=\"match\">practices</span> in their own offices (\n e.g., \n centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or health maintenance organization (HMO)"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2024 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Medicare Advantage; Medicare and Medicaid Provider and Supplier Enrollment Policies; and Basic Health Program","type":"Rule","abstract":"This major final rule addresses: changes to the physician fee schedule (PFS); other changes to Medicare Part B payment policies to ensure that payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice, relative value of services, and changes in the statute; payment for dental services inextricably linked to specific covered medical services; Medicare Shared Savings Program requirements; updates to the Quality Payment Program; Medicare coverage of opioid use disorder services furnished by opioid treatment programs; updates to certain Medicare and Medicaid provider and supplier enrollment policies, electronic prescribing for controlled substances for a covered Part D drug under a prescription drug plan or an MA-PD plan under the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act); updates to the Ambulance Fee Schedule regulations and the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System; codification of the Inflation Reduction Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 provisions; expansion of the diabetes screening and diabetes definitions; pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation and intensive cardiac rehabilitation expansion of supervising practitioners; appropriate use criteria for advanced diagnostic imaging; early release of Medicare Advantage risk adjustment data; a social determinants of health risk assessment in the annual wellness visit and Basic Health Program.","document_number":"2023-24184","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/16/2023-24184/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-cy-2024-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule-and-other","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-16/pdf/2023-24184.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2023-24184.pdf?1698956273","publication_date":"2023-11-16","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"claims billed with POS 10 (Telehealth Provided in Patient's Home) would be paid at the non-facility PFS rate. When considering certain <span class=\"match\">practice</span> situations (such as in behavioral health settings, <span class=\"match\">where</span> <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> have been seeing greater numbers of patients via telehealth), <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> will typically need to maintain both an in-person <span class=\"match\">practice</span> setting and a robust telehealth setting. We expect that these <span class=\"match\">practitioners</span> will be functionally maintaining all of their PEs, while furnishing services via telehealth. When valuing services, we believe that"},{"title":"Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies","type":"Proposed Rule","abstract":"This proposed rule would set forth routine updates to the Medicare home health payment rates in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. In addition, this proposed rule proposes permanent and temporary behavior adjustments and proposes to recalibrate the case-mix weights and update the functional impairment levels; comorbidity subgroups; and low-utilization payment adjustment (LUPA) thresholds for CY 2026. Lastly, this proposed rule proposes policy changes to the face-to-face encounter policy. It also proposes changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HH QRP) and the expanded Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model requirements. In addition, it would update the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). Lastly it proposes: a technical change to the HH conditions of participation; updates to DMEPOS supplier conditions of payment; updates to provider and supplier enrollment requirements; and changes to DMEPOS accreditation requirements.","document_number":"2025-12347","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/02/2025-12347/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2026-home-health-prospective-payment-system-hh-pps-rate","pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-07-02/pdf/2025-12347.pdf","public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-12347.pdf?1751314517","publication_date":"2025-07-02","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES","name":"Health and Human Services Department","id":221,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/health-and-human-services-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/221","parent_id":null,"slug":"health-and-human-services-department"},{"raw_name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","name":"Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services","id":45,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/45","parent_id":221,"slug":"centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services"}],"excerpts":"face-to-face encounter be performed by the certifying physician; the certifying allowed <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> (for example, nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span>, clinical nurse specialist, physician assistant); or a certified nurse midwife. Additionally, 42 CFR 424.22(a)(1)(v)(C) requires that a face-to-face encounter be performed by the certifying physician or allowed <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span> unless the encounter is performed by a certified nurse midwife or a physician, physician assistant, nurse <span class=\"match\">practitioner</span>, or clinical nurse specialist with privileges who cared for the patient in an acute"}]}