CMS Retracts Requisition Signature Requirement for Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Tests

On June 30, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) released a proposed rule which eliminates the requirement that physicians and non-physician practitioners must sign requisition forms for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests. The original policy was established by the final 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, but it was placed on hold earlier this year while the agency reconsidered the requirement. CMS’ decision to retract the requirement was based partly on opposition stakeholders expressed regarding the practical impact of the policy.

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