response to comments

CMS Response to Public Comments Received for CMS-643

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) received one general comment. This is a reconciliation of the comment regarding Docket: CMS-2019-0037
Hospice Survey and Deficiencies Report Form and Supporting Regulations (CMS-643).

Comment:

There was a comment received from a community organization in reference to targeting of patient information and holding those handling sensitive information to a higher regard.

Response:

CMS appreciates concern expressed by this commenter regarding personal patient privacy rules. In this situation the Hospice Survey and Deficiencies Form (CMS-643) is used as part of the formal survey and certification process by the hospice provider. The data collected is not individual specific and only consist of provider demographic information. As such there is no risk to patient safety.