CMS Proposes Rule Requiring Providers to Notify Patients of Their Quality Reporting Rights
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a proposed rule—76 Fed. Reg. 5755 (February 2, 2011)—that would require most Medicare providers and suppliers to give beneficiaries notice of their right to file a complaint with their Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) if they have concerns about the quality of care they receive. The notice would need to be written and include the name, telephone number, email address, and mailing address of the QIO. Providers would also be required to document the fact that notice was given in the beneficiary's record. The proposed rule would also require certain Medicare providers and suppliers to share state agency contact information with all patients.
CMS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until April 4, 2011.
