To address the maternal health crisis in the U.S., CMS has issued new conditions of participation standards for hospitals that offer obstetrical services as part of its 2025 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System rule shared Nov. 1. [Becker's Clinical Leadership]
The new requirements will ensure all Medicare- and Medicaid-participating hospitals offering obstetric services are "held to a consistent standard of high-quality maternity care that protects the health and safety of pregnant, birthing and postpartum patients," according to a Nov. 1 CMS fact sheet.
Here are eight things to know about the new standards:
- Hospitals must meet the maternal health conditions to avoid termination from Medicare and Medicaid.
- CMS is finalizing a phased implementation plan for the new requirements to address potential burdens raised during public feedback. The planned implementation will start in 2026 and occur in three phases over two years.
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