Respiratory Therapy

50.8.2 - Respiratory Therapy (Rev. 242, Issued: 03-16-18, Effective: 06-19-18, Implementation: 06-19-18) Prior to BBA 1997, respiratory therapy could be provided by a SNF either under an arrangement with a hospital with which the SNF had a transfer agreement or through the SNF’s nursing staff. Section 4432(b)(5)(D) of the BBA amended section 1861(h)(7) of the Act to cover the full range of services that SNFs generally provide, either directly or under arrangements with any qualified outside source. As a result, the services of respiratory therapists are now covered under Part A when provided under arrangements made directly between the SNF and any qualified respiratory therapist, regardless of whether the therapist is employed by the SNF’s transfer agreement hospital (see the regulations at 42 CFR 409.27(b)).