Joint Commission Reapplies for Home Health Accreditation Recognition

The Joint Commission has applied to renew its home health agency accreditation program, with the Federal Register soliciting public comment on whether the organization’s requirements meet or exceed the Medicare conditions of participation. 

In order to provide reimbursable services to Medicare beneficiaries, home health agencies must meet certain requirements under the Social Security Act, which establishes criteria for facilities seeking destination as an HHA. 

Generally, HHAs must get certified by a state survey agency as complying with those requirements and is then subject to regular state surveys to determine ongoing compliance. The alternative to surveys by state agencies is to receive accreditation by an approved national accrediting organization such as the Joint Commission. 

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The Joint Commission is a national accrediting organization for home health agencies that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. 

Providers that are accredited by Department of Health and Human Services-recognized accrediting organizations for standards that meet or exceed Medicare requirements are eligible to participate in the Medicare program.

The commission’s current term of approval for its HHA accreditation program expires March 31, 2014. HHS has 210 days from the receipt of a complete application to publish notice of approval or denial for that application. 

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For more information on how to submit a comment, view the posting in the Federal Register. 

Written by Alyssa Gerace 

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