Coming soon-New SNF guidelines

New CMS Skilled Nursing Guidelines Under the Biden Administration

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced new guidelines for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under the Biden administration. These guidelines aim to enhance the quality of care provided to residents and improve the overall safety and well-being of individuals in SNFs across the country. Let's take a closer look at these guidelines and what they mean for SNFs.

1. Increased Focus on Quality of Care

One of the key aspects of the new guidelines is an increased focus on the quality of care provided to residents. SNFs will be required to meet certain quality metrics, such as staffing levels, infection control practices, and resident outcomes. Facilities that do not meet these metrics may face penalties or other enforcement actions.

The final rule will be phased in over three years for non-rural facilities and within five years for rural facilities. Non-rural facilities will be required to meet the 3.48 hour total staffing requirement and 24/7 RN requirement within two years. Facilities will not have to hit the 0.55 RN care threshold until three years after the rule’s publication date.

2. Enhanced Infection Control Practices

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new guidelines also emphasize the importance of enhanced infection control practices in SNFs. Facilities will be required to implement robust infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among residents and staff.

3. Improved Staffing Requirements

The new guidelines include specific staffing requirements to ensure adequate care for residents. Facilities must provide a minimum of 4.1 hours of direct care per day per resident, including at least 2.75 hours by a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or other direct care staff. Additionally, there must be a registered nurse (RN) on duty for at least 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week, and at least 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, in facilities with more than 60 beds.

4. Resident-Centered Care

The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of resident-centered care in SNFs. Facilities will be encouraged to involve residents in decision-making regarding their care and to provide individualized care plans that meet the unique needs and preferences of each resident.

The CMS said in the final rule that 79% of facilities will have to increase staffing to meet the new standards, while KFF estimates 81% of facilities will have to hire additional staff. The CMS predicted it could cost the industry anywhere from $1.5 billion to $6.8 billion to meet the targets.

Some facilities may qualify for exemptions, but “only in limited circumstances,” according to the rule.

5. Increased Transparency and Accountability

Finally, the new guidelines aim to increase transparency and accountability in SNFs. Facilities will be required to report certain quality metrics to CMS, and this information will be made available to the public. This increased transparency is intended to help consumers make informed decisions about which SNF is right for them or their loved ones.

In conclusion, the new CMS skilled nursing guidelines under the Biden administration represent a significant step forward in improving the quality of care provided to residents in SNFs. By focusing on quality, infection control, staffing, resident-centered care, and transparency, these guidelines aim to ensure that all individuals in SNFs receive the high-quality care they deserve.