Earlier today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an information bulletin to states regarding the implementation of the final rule that defines home and community-based settings, frequently referred to as the HCBS settings rule. CMS now indicates that states will have until March 17, 2022—an extension of three years—to come into full compliance with the rule.
Speculation began that a possible extension might be in the works following a March 14, 2017, letter from Secretary Price and Administrator Verma to governor’s that indicated CMS was reviewing a number of regulations, including the HCBS settings regulation, and looking to lessen burden and increase flexibility for states. In the bulletin, CMS reaffirms their commitment to providing technical assistance to states as they implement the regulation and work toward full compliance.
The informational bulletin can also be accessed here.