New CMS Rules for Hospitals Recognize Nurses & Allow Flexibility in Care
Monday, July 9th, 2012Recent changes to the “Conditions of Participation” (CoPs) for hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid will give nurses more flexibility in key areas — nursing care plans, standing orders, medication administration, infection control, and medical staff participation by advance practice registered nurses (APRNs). In the notice of final rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized the contributions and leadership of registered and advance practice nurses, even quoting from ANA’s comments. CMS also decided to grant critical access hospitals (CAHs) more flexibility in how they operate. With the Joint Commission involved in ensuring hospitals comply with the CoPs, the guidelines can also have an effect beyond Medicare/Medicaid hospitals.
