HomeLatest NewsQuality NewsCMS Quality Program Extraordinary Circumstances Exceptions Request

CMS Quality Program Extraordinary Circumstances Exceptions Request

July 10, 2020

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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last week that hospitals will be expected to collect data for the quality reporting and value programs in quarter 3 and quarter 4 of 2020. CMS used its Extraordinary Circumstances Exception (ECE) policies to make reporting optional for fourth quarter of 2019 (October through December) and the first two quarters of 2020 (January through March, and April through June). While CMS’s blanket reporting exception ended July 1st, hospitals unable to meet third and/or fourth quarter 2020 data collection and reporting requirements under the hospital quality reporting and value-based purchasing programs due to COVID-19 or another event beyond their control are able to use the existing policies of exception. To request an exception, use this link to the exception form within 90 calendar days of the extraordinary circumstance. CMS did indicate they are monitoring the situation closely to determine whether further flexibility is needed.