CMS issued draft guidance regarding co-location or space-sharing arrangements between hospitals and other providers. The draft guidance would allow hospitals to share entrances, public areas, hallways, waiting rooms and other common areas with co-located providers. It also authorizes arrangements for sharing staff under certain circumstances. Citing infection risks, confidentiality and other patient care concerns, the draft guidance expects only limited situations in which shared use of clinical spaces would be appropriate.
Comments on the draft guidance are due July 2.