CMS Releases Guidance on Provider Directories Compliance

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a State Health Official (SHO) letter outlining the guidance and expectations for compliance with the Requiring Accurate, Updated, and Searchable Providers Directories requirement under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This requirement is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The SHO letter addresses several key areas to ensure states are prepared for the upcoming changes.

The letter highlights the following points:

·       Provider Directory Data: Updates required by Section 5123 of the Act to ensure accuracy and searchability.

·       Enhanced Federal Financial Participation (FFP): Availability of federal funds to support the development and operation of Medicaid fee-for-service provider directories.

·       Non-Compliance: Requirements for corrective action plans for states failing to meet standards, necessary for reapproval of Medicaid systems.

·       Returning to Compliance: Steps for states to regain compliance and request reapproval of their Medicaid systems.

This letter is intended to help states understand and prepare for the new requirements. For more information, the full SHO letter is available on CMS’ website.