Administrator Seema Verma has directed CMS to undergo a comprehensive reive of nursing home regulations, guidance and processes: Administrator Seema Verma said that the goal is to bolster safety and quality in SNFs across the country. “This is not business as usual — we are pushing beyond the status quo,” she wrote in a blog post Monday. “CMS’ approach to oversight of nursing homes is constantly evolving,” she added. “Just as we’re unleashing innovative strategies and technologies in other … [Read more...] about Comprehensive Review of Nursing Home Regulations Planned?
Immediate Jeopardy Decision Upheld by 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
The 7th Circuit upheld a finding of Immediate Jeopardy regarding sexual encounters between residents with dementia. The facility in question had a "policy of intervening in sexual encounters only when “outward signs” of non-consent were displayed, according to court documents." CMS determined that this was not adequate to protect residents and fined the facility for $83,000. The appeal by the facility argued that the residents have a right to have consensual intimate relationships, … [Read more...] about Immediate Jeopardy Decision Upheld by 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
Who has the greatest impact on high healthcare costs?
In a new NEJM Catalyst Buzz Survey, the question of who is the biggest driver of high healthcare costs brings physicians, healthplans, pharmacuetical & bio-tech companies under scrutiny. Doctors who have been blamed for the inflated cost of US healthcare due to expensive recommendations or overtreating patients have maintained that even though the discussion needs to be had with patients about healthcare costs, they have no power to determine the price of a drug or new healthcare … [Read more...] about Who has the greatest impact on high healthcare costs?
Latest Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review – Quality Service Reviews
Provider Letter No. 17-22 - Quality service reviews (QSRs) of the implementation of policies, procedures, and improvements relating to the Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review Process (PASRR) will be conducted and the process will continue with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) staff. HHS QSR staff will continue to conduct QSRs of nursing facilities, community-based Medicaid service providers, and Local IDD Authorities (LIDDAs) that provide service coordination and other services … [Read more...] about Latest Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review – Quality Service Reviews
Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records
Provider Letter No. 17-20 – Electronic Health RecordsNursing Facilities may use the system of medical records that best suits their needs whether it is paper or an electronic system. As directed in the DADS released provider letter, a provider must grant access to any EHR when requested by the surveyor. During the entrance conference, surveyors will verify with the provider the process they will follow in order to have unrestricted access to a resident’s medical records. Please note that … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records
DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
-- On February 18, 2014, CMS posted important information on the transition process in preparation for the next round of Recovery Audit Program contracts and will continue to update the site with more information as it becomes available. -- CMS posted two updated reference documents to provide technical information relevant to the Nursing Home Compare web site for certified NFs and the Five Star Quality Rating System under the Downloads section. -- DADS will present the proposed draft of … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
IL/News Alerts: 1/23 Call, Conference Reminder
DADS released one information letter: CCAD, RC, CBA, AL, and PC3 services providers: HHSC approved rate changes for the CCAD RC program, CBA AL services and CBA PC3 services. (Letter) -- CMS will hold a conference call for software developers and vendors related to the upcoming October 2014 updates to MDS 3.0. on Thursday, January 23, 2014. From the news alert page: A portion of this call will include a question and answer session specific to the October 2014 release. If you wish your … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: 1/23 Call, Conference Reminder
Common Nursing Facility Survey Deficiencies
McKnights Long Term Care News offers a free webinar entitled "2012 Survey Update: The Least You Need to Know" on common nursing facility deficiencies. Linda Elizaitis, president of CMS Compliance Group and one of the speakers, stated the most common nursing home citations have to do with kitchen sanitation, infection control, management of resident care plans and medication dispensing procedures. Elizaitis noted that state surveyors have also honed in on matters of resident dignity, and … [Read more...] about Common Nursing Facility Survey Deficiencies
New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
On June 12, 2009, Appendix PP, pertaining to nursing facilities, was revised with regard to F-tags 172, 175, 241, 242, 246, 247, 252, 255, 256, 371, 461 and 463. Here is a copy of the CMS Transmittal detailing the changes: Transmittal 48 James M. Berklan, editor of McKnight's Long-Term Care News says the following about the changes: Uncle Sam has put in his order for a heaping dose of resident choice and flexibility. Here's hoping you have your order pad and pencil at the ready, … [Read more...] about New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
On September 1, 2008, changes within Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual become effective. The changes involve deleting F326 and incorporating that tag's guidance into F325 and deleting F370 and incorporating it into F371. However, the changes are voluminous compared to what exists now. You may find the changes here, comprising 58 pages. The old sections are here and here. The changes concern nutrition, therapeutic diets, approved food sources and food sanitation. Be ready. … [Read more...] about Are You Ready for the Latest Changes to the SOM? Tags 325 and 371
