Open Payments COVID-19 Announcement Questions—Contact Live Help Desk Open Payments COVID-19 Announcement CMS is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic may impact some reporting entities and may affect their ability to submit records to the Open Payments Program on or before March 31st 2020.    CMS does not have the authority to waive the statutorily mandated requirement that Open Payments reporting be completed by the 90th day of the calendar year (see 42 U.S.C. § 1320a–7h(a)(1)(A) and 42 U.S.C § 1320a–7h(a)(2)) or to postpone the publication deadline of June 30 (42 U.S.C § 1320a–7h(c)(1)(C)). As such, CMS is unable to extend the submission window past the March 31st deadline.  However, CMS is sensitive to the challenges caused by the pandemic and will consider the impact that these circumstances have on reporting entities’ ability to report in a timely, accurate, and complete manner. CMS will exercise enforcement discretion with respect to submissions completed after the statutory deadline due to circumstances beyond the reporting entity’s control associated with the pandemic. In an assumptions statement, you may explain your organization’s reporting methodologies or reasons for unusual or partial submissions. If the pandemic has impacted your reporting processes, please include the phrase “COVID-19 Impact” in your assumptions statement alongside the explanation of the circumstances and, if applicable, include reference to any related help desk ticket numbers. (Back to top) Questions—Contact Live Help Desk Need help or have more questions? Contact the Open Payments Help Desk at openpayments@cms.hhs.gov or call 1-855-326-8366 (TTY Line: 1-844-649-2766).The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ET), excluding Federal holidays. The Help Desk refers media inquiries to CMS’ Press Office for response. (Back to top) Creating Public Transparency of Industry-Physician Financial Relationships. Learn More.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent this update. To contact CMS go to our Contact Us page.