CMS FY 2015 Requests Additional $49 Million for Surveys

CMS' proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 includes a $424.4 million request for Medicare survey and certification activities, a $49 million jump from the 2014 allocation. The agency said it needs the additional funds because of additional providers in the program and "improved CMS standards." CMS estimates that 91 percent of the funds would go toward surveys at LTC and home health agencies.

CMS also notes that their survey costs are being driven up by their involvement in "addressing issues of national importance" such as rates of antipsychotic medication prescription and pressure ulcers in nursing homes.

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