Applicability of Reporting Requirements for OAS CAHPS Facilities Affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
folder_openOther Announcementscalendar_todayPosted September 20, 2017

For CAHPS Surveys that are linked to reimbursement, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is granting exceptions to facilities under Medicare quality reporting and value based purchasing programs, which are located in areas designated by the Federal Emergency Management Area (FEMA) as a major disaster county.  However, since participation in the OAS CAHPS Survey is currently voluntary, participating hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) located in major disaster counties, are advised that an exception is not required.

If OAS CAHPS Survey administration is impacted due to the recent hurricanes, OAS CAHPS Survey vendors should follow the guidelines below:

• Submit a Discrepancy Notification Request (DNR) documenting any deviations from the standard OAS CAHPS Survey protocols, including (but not limited to) suspension of data collection activities for facilities and/or patients located in impacted areas;
• Request CMS approval (via the submission of a late start request) for any data collection activities that are initiated 26 days after the end of the sample month; and
• Continue to monitor the OAS CAHPS website for additional guidance.

Please contact the OAS CAHPS Survey Coordination Team with questions via email at oascahps@rti.org or call toll free 1-866-590-7468.