CMS Issues Final Rule Modifying Restrictions on "Direct Solicitation" of Beneficiaries by DMEPOS Suppliers; Changes to Other DMEPOS Supplier Safeguards

On March 9, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") released a final rule that modifies several of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies ("DMEPOS") supplier standards. Most notably, the final rule modifies restrictions on the "direct solicitation" of Medicare beneficiaries by DMEPOS suppliers. CMS stated in the final rule that its reason for making this modification is that the definition of "direct solicitation" was not feasible and has been criticized for being overly broad. DMEPOS suppliers and other providers need to be aware of this modification to the supplier standards set forth in the final rule, and, in particular, the revised guidelines regarding direct solicitation, because suppliers may need to modify their business practices with respect to interactions with Medicare beneficiaries for DMEPOS items and services.

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