Q&A: Failure to issue the MOON

Q. What are the consequences if hospitals don’t issue the MOON in the required time period or fail to deliver it entirely?

A. The MOON has the same standing as the Important Message from Medicare (IMM). It is a federal document that must be completed and delivered as required. Compliance will be assessed by surveyors such as a state agency on behalf of CMS and the national accrediting agencies. The consequences of failing to deliver the MOON in a timely manner or at all would be similar to those imposed when organizations fail to deliver the IMM, with deficiencies and the need for correction plans.

Editor’s note: This question was answered by Ronald Hirsch, MD, FACP, CHCQM, of R1 Physician Advisory Services in Chicago.

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