Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
Use Updated Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice
BCBS Oklahoma·Emergency Medicine·Government Programs
Effective date
Apr 20, 2026
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice that hospitals must provide to Medicare Advantage members who are under observation for more than 24 hours. Providers must transition to using the new CMS notice form by April 20, 2026, and ensure proper completion, delivery, and documentation processes are followed.
Action Required
By April 20, 2026: Hospital billing and nursing staff must download the updated Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice from the CMS website (available in English, Spanish, and large print). Update workflow procedures to ensure the notice is completed within 36 hours of observation start, delivered to Medicare Advantage members who are under observation for more than 24 hours, explained verbally, signed by the member (or staff certification if declined), and documented in the member's medical record.