CMS Sends Out Clarification Memo on Standing Orders

CMS sent an October 24, 2008 memo to State Survey Directors clarifying standing order documentation guidance that was issued in February and April.

The memo includes guidance revisions issued to physicians who use preprinted forms for standing orders. It also provides the following clarification regarding the use of rubber signature stamps:

"The CoPs [Conditions of Participation] do not prohibit the use of rubber stamps in a hospital setting, when properly controlled, for authentication of medical record entries. However, as a point of information for surveyors and providers, we are taking this opportunity to add an information-only statement to the interpretive guidance for §482.24(c)(1) to note that some payers, including Medicare, may not accept such stamps as sufficient documentation to support a claim for payment. "

Click here for the full memo: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter09-10.pdf