CMS SOM App. B, Tag G813

make an annual on-site visit to the location where a patient is receiving care in order to

observe and assess each aide while he or she is performing care.

Interpretive Guidelines §484.80(h)(1)(iv)

In addition to the regularly-scheduled 14-day supervisory assessment and as-needed

observation visits for aides providing care to patients receiving skilled services, HHAs

are required to make an annual on-site, in person, visit to a patient's home to directly

observe and assess each home health aide while he or she is performing patient care

activities. The HHA is required to observe each home health aide annually with at least

one patient (86 FR 62347). The skilled professional who supervises aide services should

be familiar with the patient, the patient’s plan of care, and the written patient care

instructions.

If, during a supervisory visit described in §484.80(h)(1)(iii), a concern is identified at a

patient’s home, but the aide is not present, then the skilled professional must go on-site

with the aide at the next scheduled visit to observe and assess the aide while he or she is

performing care.