Communications

(Feb. 16, 2024) – CMS Issues Revised Texting Guidance
CMS issued revised guidance on the texting of physician orders. The texting of patient information and patient orders among members of the health care team is permitted if accomplished through a HIPAA-compliant, secure texting platform and in compliance with the Conditions of Participation. MHA is evaluating the revised guidance and seeking clarification on certain requirements.

Maternal Syphilis Rate Triples Over Six Years
The CDC reports syphilis infections during pregnancy more than tripled between 2016 and 2022 to 280 cases per 100,000 births. In November, the CDC reported more than 3,700 mothers passed on the infection to their babies in 2022 — 10 times more than in 2012 — although timely testing and treatment could prevent most mothers from transmitting the infection to their babies.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends screening for all pregnant women. The CDC provided treatment guidelines for maternal and congenital syphilis.

Before You Go
READ: The Flex Monitoring Team published “Lessons Learned from Efforts to Support Vulnerable Critical Access and Other Rural Hospitals” summarizing state and federal programs, demonstrations, and models to support CAHs and other rural hospitals.