CMS Prohibits Signature Stamps
7 October 2008
CR 5971 Clarification - Signature Requirements
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued CR 5971 (transmittal #248), directed toward physicians and other providers who bill Medicare contractors for care provided to Medicare beneficiaries, to prohibit the use of stamped signatures. CMS took this step to ensure accurate application of Medicare’s program requirements throughout the nation. CMS has identified problems of noncompliance with existing statutes, regulations, rules and other systematic problems relating to standards of practice for a valid physician’s signature on medical orders and related medical documents.
These requirements are intended to apply to all providers/suppliers. Stamped signatures are not acceptable on any medical record. Medicare will accept handwritten electronic signatures or facsimiles of original written or electronic signatures.
In addition, the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP) are requirements for ensuring health and safety. The CoPs define specific quality standards that providers must meet to participate in the Medicare program. A provider’s compliance with the CoPs is ultimately determined by the CMS regional office based on the state survey agency recommendation (per the Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Publication 100-8, Chapter 3, Section 3.4.2.1). Compliance with the CoPs and any related policies does not necessarily ensure that certain requirements for payment are being met.
For more information please review official instruction CR 5971 or contact your carrier, FI, A/B MAC, or DME MAC at their toll-free number.