Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in California due to severe wildfires. The declaration, which is retroactive to Oct. 8, waives certain conditions providers are typically expected to meet for reimbursement, including:
The order also protects providers from sanctions resulting from relocating or transferring individuals to another location prior to receiving medical screening or being stabilized and sanctions for actions related to physician referral. Sanctions and penalties arising from noncompliance with certain aspects of HIPAA regulations are also waived.