Telehealth Resources

CMS is waiving requirements under 42 CFR §482.24(a) through (c), which cover the subjects of the organization and staffing of the medical records department, requirements for the form and content of the medical record, and record retention requirements, and these flexibilities may be implemented so long as they are not inconsistent with a state’s emergency preparedness or pandemic plan. CMS is waiving 42 CFR §482.24(c)(4)(viii) related to medical records to allow flexibility in completion of medical records within 30 days following discharge from a hospital. This flexibility will allow clinicians to focus on the patient care at the bedside during the pandemic.

This CMS blanket waiver is in effect, with a retroactive effective date of March 1, 2020 through the end of the federal emergency declaration.