The Government Accountability Office has recommended that the acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services unify the federal program requirements across programs that provide personal care services.
GAO said Thursday that four states such as California, Maryland, Oregon and Texas differed in their implementation of safety measures for the beneficiaries that receive in-home personal care services and in how those states ensure that the services provided match the bill.
CMS also failed to collect the required state reports on personal care services or to address variations in program requirements, according to the government watchdog.
“Collecting these reports could improve oversight by providing CMS and Congress with information on programs’ effects on beneficiaries’ health and welfare,†GAO said.
“A more consistent administration of policies and procedures across programs could help the federal government and states better manage risks to beneficiaries and protect the integrity of the program,†GAO added.
GAO noted that home and community-based services such as personal care services are growing in demand.
