Skip to main content

CMS Provides Guidance on Full-Scale Emergency Preparedness Exercises

Last updated on

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued Quality Safety & Oversight Memo QSO-20-41-ALL Revised (PDF). The memo gives more guidance to providers on full-scale exercise requirements that are part of CMS regulations for emergency preparedness.

The following provider types are exempted from completing a required full-scale exercise for the 2021 cycle based on a provider’s activation of their emergency plan.

  • Nursing facilities
  • ICFs-IID
  • Home health agencies
  • Inpatient hospice providers

This exemption does not apply to the exercise of choice.

Providers should still follow all other emergency preparedness guidance in the March 26, 2021 State Operations Manual, Appendix Z (PDF).