The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted its Survey & Certification Memo 16-37 (PDF), discussing the revised OCR clearance process for new providers and Changes of Ownership (CHOW).
The new process requires that providers successfully submit electronically an attestation of compliance with the civil rights requirements to the OCR before the State Survey Agencies and Regional Offices may process requests for initial surveys or CHOWs.
Confirmation from OCR of successful submission of the attestation will meet the requirements for OCR clearance and eliminates the need for CMS ROs to issue provisional provider agreements. OCR will begin receiving electronic attestations on Sept. 1.
