Updated: Home Care Telehealth Waiver Now Open to Certified Agencies

To: Class A and Class B Homecare Agencies From: Cheryl McMahon On March 31st, the Division made a waiver application available for licensed-only agencies to meet specified observation, supervision, and evaluation requirements through telehealth methods rather than in-person or on-site. The waiver also allowed certain therapy services to be provided via interactive audiovisual connections. At the time the application was distributed, CMS certified home health agencies were not eligible to apply due to limitations in CMS regulations. CMS has begun issuing waivers of some requirements, so the Division is now making the waiver application available to all Class A and Class B Home Care Agencies. Please note that CMS certified agencies must continue to comply with certification requirements, and must only implement the waiver of state regulations to the extent allowable under current CMS regulations and waivers. The waiver application can be found here:  Homecare Telehealth Waiver Similar to the waiver distributed on March 31, 2020, due to the need to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect both healthcare workers and homecare clients, the Division will expedite this waiver process. Successful waiver applications will receive approval within 2 days after submission. Division staff will contact agencies with any questions. Licensed-only facilities that have already applied for a waiver using the form distributed March 31, 2020 do NOT need to submit this waiver application. CDPHE continues to explore additional options to ease the burden for providers during this public health emergency. We will provide updates as they become available. For questions or assistance with the application process, contact Cheryl McMahon (cheryl.mcmahon@state.co.us). Cheryl McMahon Branch Chief Home and Community Facilities Branch Chief