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CMS-1403-FC
We received several comments on our proposals with the
majority from national organizations. The following is a
summary of the comments received and our responses.
Comment: All of the comments that we received on our
proposed technical correction supported the change. The
commenters agreed that the intent of the graduated NP
educational qualifications was to ensure that practicing
NPs and their patients were not left unable to enroll in
Medicare after we adopted our rules requiring national
certification and a master’s degree in nursing for
enrollment. Many commenters stated that these NPs had
already been recognized and practicing as Part B suppliers.
The commenters also stated that the technical correction
does not appear to violate the intent of the NP educational
qualifications and should reduce any confusion that might
still remain regarding this requirement.
Response: We are finalizing the technical correction
as proposed in order to clarify our requirement that
effective on or after January 1, 2003, all NPs must have a
master’s degree in nursing.
Comment: The majority of commenters commended CMS for
our proposal to recognize the DNP degree and stated that we
are keeping pace with the transformation in advanced
practice registered nursing education. The commenters
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