CMS Extends Skilled Nursing Facility Medicare Revalidation Deadline to August 2025

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to revalidate their Medicare enrollments to August 1, 2025, from the previous deadline of May 1, 2025. This extension provides additional time for SNFs to comply with new disclosure requirements introduced by CMS to enhance transparency in ownership and operational control. The updated regulations, effective January 16, 2024, mandate SNFs to disclose detailed information regarding ownership, governing bodies, managerial staff, related parties, and any additional disclosable parties involved in the facility's operations.

CMS implemented these enhanced disclosure rules in response to concerns about private equity ownership and its potential impact on the quality of patient care within SNFs. The regulatory changes aim to provide CMS with a comprehensive understanding of all entities and individuals associated with SNF ownership and management, facilitating better oversight of quality issues and ensuring appropriate use of taxpayer funds allocated for patient care.

Despite acknowledgment of the increased administrative burden on SNFs, CMS emphasized that the priority is ensuring quality care and safeguarding taxpayer investments. The agency's decision to extend the revalidation deadline likely reflects the considerable complexity and resource demands involved in compiling and submitting the extensive ownership and control information required under the new rules.

Providers should anticipate the possibility of further CMS guidance regarding the completion of revalidations and should monitor communications closely to remain compliant. This regulatory environment highlights the evolving compliance landscape for SNFs, where ownership transparency is increasingly linked to quality monitoring and financial oversight.

Industry stakeholders are advised to carefully assess the operational and legal implications of these regulations on their Medicare enrollment processes. Legal and consulting resources specializing in healthcare regulations can assist SNFs in navigating these requirements effectively to mitigate risks related to non-compliance and ensure sustained participation in Medicare programs.