The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) seeks to inform providers that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised State Operations Manual Appendix J to reflect current standards of practice.
CMS adopted these changes on April 27, 2015. DADS Regulatory Services will begin to enforce the changes on June 1, 2015.
CMS did not change any of the regulations (W-tags) with the exception of updating W451 (42 CFR §483.470(i)(3)) which adopts the 2000 edition of Nation Fire Protection Association of the Life Safety Code. However, CMS has reorganized the facility practices, guidelines and probes associated with the regulations and have added additional expectations for ICF/IID providers.
DADS would like to draw attention to some of CMS’ changes including but are not limited to:
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W135 (42 CFR §483.420(a)(10)) states that facility ensures that individuals have access to telephones with privacy for incoming and outgoing local and long distance calls except as contraindicated by factors identified within their individual program plans (IPPs).
? The new W135 Guidance states that any restriction of telephone access must be explained in the individual’s IPP with a plan to advance the individual’s access. For persons with hearing loss who could benefit, Text Telephone (TTY) services or other accommodations should be provided. As with any other rights restriction, the restriction must be addressed in the IPP, written informed consent obtained, and the plan must be reviewed and approved by the specially constituted committee.
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W159 (42 CFR §483.430(a)) states that each client’s active treatment program must be integrated, coordinated and monitored by a qualified intellectual disability professional.
? The new W159 Guidance states, “The QIDP function may not be delegated to other employees even though the QIDP co-signs their work.”
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