Health Information Compliance Alert
Feds Declare PHE for Texas After Winter Mayhem
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As with past natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials reassured Texas providers they can count on the feds to help after a winter storm ravaged the state. On Feb. 17, HHS Acting Secretary Norris Cochran declared a public health emergency (PHE) for Texas after the spate of winter storms. “This declaration follows President Biden’s emergency declaration for the state of Texas” and allows CMS “to give healthcare providers and suppliers greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs in disasters,” an HHS release said on the declaration. The waivers and flexibilities associated with the PHE are retroactive to Feb. 11, CMS indicates. See more information at www.cms.gov/about-cms/emergency-preparedness-response-operations/current-emergencies/current-non-covid-emergencies. 
Health Information Compliance Alert
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