Friday 1 June 2018

Senators’Bill May Provide Grace Period for Electronic Visit Verification Provision

A Senate Bill, Electronic Visit Verification, and the Effects on Home Health Care

Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman of Ohio, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have introduced a bipartisan bill that would delay the implementation deadline for the Electronic Visit Verification provision of the 21st Century Cures Act.  The senators hope the January 1, 2019 deadline for personal care services can be delayed until January 1, 2020, to give states, home care agencies, and workers more time to provide input, prepare, train, and effectively administer the home care technology for patients.


The senators agree that EVV services are crucial in reducing FWA and delivering quality care in the home, but they also believe rushing to comply with a mandate only seven months away may prove problematic for parties involved. Brown and Portman’s home state of Ohio has become the prototype for what can go right and wrong with statewide EVV implementation.  Senator Brown’s statement, “we must take the time to get it right,” brings a sigh of relief for some, but acts as a cautionary tale for others.

The interesting and necessary rift that exists between providers and the EVV requirement further demonstrates the pressure agencies are facing in the light of worker shortages, increased worker burden, and renewed CMS outcome and value-based initiatives.  

It would not be fair to say that providers extol the possible EVV implementation delay, but it does offer some respite for providers who want to be engaged in the process, and realize what the vast potential home care, patient-centered technology encompasses.  The end goal for providers and all parties is not to be compliant with a mandate, but to provide quality, cost-effective care.  The delay in the mandate should not be considered harmful.  If the delay results in improved quality of care, the action of the senators will be applauded.

The Senate bill does bring to attention FWA, differentiated technology, and the role of preventative care. One possible effect of delaying EVV implementation is that payers and patients may not benefit from legislative measures to reduce FWA.  

The Tremendous amount of money has been reclaimed as a result of improved FWA oversight, and in the twelve months, the EVV mandate may be delayed, more fraudulent spending and inconsistent care may occur.  However, providers can take advantage of differentiated home care technology to bring quality care to patients, retain their customer base, and reinforce what payers value – cost-effective care.  

Technology that utilizes value-added drivers for preventative and proactive care, for example, Change in Condition monitoring, Care Gap alerts, Care Plan assessment, and robust reporting will make providers more attractive in the eyes of payers, who value HEDIS and STARS ratings, and patients who value the quality of life.


Waiting for a mandate to dictate future business models in the home health care industry is not a strong strategy.  For that reason, one has to decide independently what impact the senators’ bill will have on home health care.  Being ahead of the mandate, going beyond the EVV requirement, providing unique, quality care through specialized technology will set one provider apart from other providers.  Payers, providers, and patients want exactly what the senators desire – take the time to get it right!

About Sinq Technologies


Sinq’s collaborative software technology platform was built with the purpose in mind.  Sinq’s Care Plan Transparency, Care Gap Management, EVV / EvS, and Change in Care Monitoring makes Sinq’s software stand out within the industry, and with Payors, Providers, and Plans.  We can help you become compliant, but our expansive software offers long-term solutions for the betterment of your agency and clients.  Call today for more information, a free demo, or a consultation at (847) 325-5007, or visit us at www.sinq.io

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