The Trump Administration declared a National State of Emergency on March 16, 2020, in response to the growing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. 

<p>
  The Trump Administration declared a National State of Emergency on March 16,
  2020, in response to the growing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
</p>

<p>
  This emergency declaration allows for regulatory flexibility and empowers
  Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
  Services (CMS) to take proactive measures on the national level which will
  help providers deliver care for patients with coronavirus. Through this
  declaration, HHS and CMS leaders can also encourage states to do everything
  possible to limit any barriers to healthcare professionals seeing patients and
  providing care.
</p>

<p>
  In a recent
  <a
    href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-takes-action-nationwide-aggressively-respond-coronavirus-national-emergency"
    >CMS press release</a
  >, CMS Administrator Seema Verma said, &ldquo;It is vital that federal
  requirements designed for periods of relative calm do not hinder measures
  needed in an emergency. The nationwide waivers we are activating today will be
  a godsend for those on the frontlines of the fight against this new
  virus.&rdquo;
</p>

<h2>1135 Waivers</h2>

<p>
  Through the emergency declaration, CMS has been empowered to take proactive
  steps through
  <a
    href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertEmergPrep/1135-Waivers"
    >1135 waivers</a
  >
  and to rapidly expand the administration&rsquo;s efforts against COVID-19. The
  COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet and
  <a
    href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-takes-action-nationwide-aggressively-respond-coronavirus-national-emergency"
    >CMS Action Press Release</a
  >
  provide an overview of the waivers. Here&rsquo;s a look at two of the waivers
  that may affect you if you&rsquo;re a locums provider.
</p>

<h2>Waivers that Affect Locums Providers</h2>

<p>
  At Cross Country Locums, we are closely following two waivers in particular:
  the <strong>state licensure waiver</strong> and the
  <strong>Medicare/Medicaid provider enrollment waiver.</strong>
</p>

<h3>State Licensure Waiver</h3>

<p>
  According to CMS, states may &ldquo;temporarily waive requirements that
  physicians and other health care professionals be licensed in the state in
  which they are providing services, so long as they have an equivalent
  licensing in another state.&rdquo;
</p>

<p>
  If you are a provider who is willing to help across state lines during the
  coronavirus outbreak, this waiver may open the door for you.
</p>

<h3>Medicare/Medicaid Provider Enrollment Waiver</h3>

<p>
  Also according to CMS: &ldquo;CMS will temporarily suspend certain Medicare
  enrollment screening requirements including site visits and fingerprinting for
  non-certified Part B suppliers, physicians and non-physician practitioners. In
  addition, CMS will allow licensed providers to render services outside their
  state of enrollment. CMS will also establish a toll-free hotline for providers
  to enroll and receive temporary Medicare billing privileges.&rdquo;
</p>

<p>
  This waiver is designed to help you enroll as a health care provider more
  quickly and easily, again, expanding your ability to care for patients.
</p>

<h2>An Evolving Situation</h2>

<p>
  Of course, as this is a very fluid situation, we&rsquo;ll be watching
  developments closely. This regulatory flexibility does allow you to expand
  your reach as a provider. Consider where and how you want to help, and take
  care. <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/contact-us">contact us</a>.
</p>


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