Foreward

01 – Foreward (Rev. 1784, Issued: 07-31-09, Effective: 08-31-09, Implementation: 08-31-09) Generally, this chapter describes the guidance that may be implemented for the Medicare fee-for-service program in the event of a disaster/emergency. As part of its preparedness efforts for a disaster/emergency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed certain disaster/emergency guidance that may be implemented for the Medicare fee-for-service program in the event of a disaster/emergency. CMS has also developed certain additional disaster/emergency guidance that may be implemented if: 1. the President declares an emergency or disaster under the National Emergencies Act or the Stafford Act; and 2. the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services declares - under § 319 of the Public Health Service Act - that a public health emergency exists, and 3. the Secretary elects to waive one or more requirements of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Act) pursuant to § 1135 of such Act. Until CMS declares these guidances to be in effect, the guidances are considered to be pending.