Post-acute providers could qualify for EHR incentive funding
The opioid crisis is impacting millions and creating an increased demand for many types of services provided by Netsmart clients.
The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a comprehensive opioid prevention, treatment and recovery bill, was approved by Congress in October with wide bipartisan support and signed by President Trump.
The bill includes provisions and potential funding for Medicaid and Medicare programs in a wide variety of areas, including expanded telehealth services, e-prescribing requirements, medication-assisted treatment and prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).
The SUPPORT Act presents both opportunities and additional requirements for all Netsmart client communities. Read our Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Bill Summary and Impacts of selected key sections to find out how Netsmart can help you take advantage of additional potential funding or meet anticipated reporting and other requirements.
The SUPPORT Act also authorizes the testing of incentive payments for behavioral health and substance use treatment providers for adoption and use of certified EHR technology to improve quality and coordination of care.
Providers from any Netsmart client community will be eligible if they meet the provider eligibility criteria. The program will be administered by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).
We are providing input to CMS and CMMI as they define the funding amount for the incentives, application procedure and timeframes. Current thinking is that the funding will be applicable to a first-time EHR purchase or upgrade to a 2015 standard certified EHR.
Netsmart was pleased to be a key advocate for this legislation on behalf of providers not fully eligible for previous incentive funding in parity with acute care providers. Read our FAQs on EHR Incentive Funding Demonstration Program for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Treatment Providers.