CMS issues infection control guidance for PACE organizations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services yesterday released COVID-19 infection control guidance for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organizations, noting that there may be circumstances where a PACE organization may need to implement strategies that do not fully comply with CMS PACE program requirements. “CMS will take those situations into consideration when conducting monitoring or oversight activities.” For example, it said PACE organizations “may use remote technology as appropriate, including for scheduled and unscheduled participant assessments, care planning, monitoring, communication, and other related activities that would normally occur on an in-person basis.” They also may provide home or mail delivery of Part D drugs and waive prior authorization requirements for Part D drugs used to treat or prevent COVID-19, when such drugs are identified.