Existing ASCs sharing a waiting area with other organizations in a multi-purpose building will be exempted from a Medicare requirement to build a separate waiting room if they install a temporary partition, according to a memorandum from CMS.
ASCs must apply for this exemption and demonstrate that their waiting arrangement does "not adversely affect the health and safety of the patients" and constructing a distinct waiting area would create "unreasonable hardship."
Also, the temporary partition cannot block a view of the exits, must be flame-resistant and clear sprinklers by 18 inches or more. It must have appropriate fire protection and signs in the area must clearly identify it as a distinct ASC waiting area.
However, this waiver is not available to new ASCs or ones with a new owner and Medicare supplier agreement. ASCs with waivers are expected to eventually build a permanent waiting area.
Read CMS' memorandum on surgery center waiting room requirements. (pdf)
ASCs must apply for this exemption and demonstrate that their waiting arrangement does "not adversely affect the health and safety of the patients" and constructing a distinct waiting area would create "unreasonable hardship."
Also, the temporary partition cannot block a view of the exits, must be flame-resistant and clear sprinklers by 18 inches or more. It must have appropriate fire protection and signs in the area must clearly identify it as a distinct ASC waiting area.
However, this waiver is not available to new ASCs or ones with a new owner and Medicare supplier agreement. ASCs with waivers are expected to eventually build a permanent waiting area.
Read CMS' memorandum on surgery center waiting room requirements. (pdf)