Significant revisions and oversight of the Nursing Home Survey Process Effective 2/24/2025.

November 20, 2024

New CMS Guidelines?CMS (QSO-25-07-NH): What You Need to Know

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released updated guidelines to improve care quality and compliance in nursing homes. These changes focus on protecting residents, enhancing oversight, and ensuring facilities meet current standards. The new guidance will take effect on February 24, 2025, giving facilities time to prepare.

Key Updates

1. Admission and Discharge Policies: Revised rules ensure residents' rights are protected during transfers and discharges. Admission agreements must no longer require third-party payment guarantees.
2. Medication Management: Clearer rules on psychotropic and unnecessary medications, emphasizing residents' rights to informed consent.
3. Quality Assurance (QAPI): Programs must now address health equity by analyzing outcomes for diverse resident groups and prioritizing fairness in care delivery.
4. Infection Control: Expanded precautions to prevent the spread of drug-resistant organisms. Added education requirements for COVID-19 vaccination benefits and side effects.
5. Pain Management: Aligned guidance with CDC standards, emphasizing individualized treatment and safer medication options.
6. Survey Tools: Updated software and resources will help surveyors assess compliance more effectively.

Effective Date and Training

Surveyors will begin using this guidance starting February 24, 2025. Nursing homes and surveyors have ample time to familiarize themselves with the changes and prepare.

Training Resources: CMS has made training resources available to help providers understand these updates. You can access them at qsep.cms.gov/ProvidersAndOthers/publictraining.aspx. This link is also included in the Training Resources section of the QSO memo.

Strategies for Nursing Homes to Succeed

1. Staff Education: Provide regular training on updated regulations to ensure everyone understands the new standards.
2. Policy Updates: Revise procedures for admissions, discharges, medication use, and infection control to align with new guidance.
3. Focus on Resident Rights: Involve residents and their representatives in care planning and decision-making to ensure person-centered care.
4. Strengthen QAPI Programs: Use data to identify gaps, improve care, and address health disparities within your facility.
5. Conduct Mock Surveys: Prepare for real inspections by identifying and correcting potential issues in advance.
6. Leverage Technology: Use updated survey software and tools to streamline compliance efforts and track improvements.

By preparing now and taking a proactive approach, your nursing homes can not only meet the new CMS standards but also create a safer, more caring environment for residents. Let’s avoid F tags by using the PPE Approach. PLAN, PREPARE AND EXECUTE

Make resident care your priority, and success will follow. Get your team on track, contact InsPAC today at staff@theinspac;com to schedule a review of your clinical systems and processes, schedule your mock surveys now. Don't wait. We can help you prepare for a stress free and successful survey

Link to the memo: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/policy-memos-states/revised-long-term-care-ltc-surveyor-guidance-significant-revisions-enhance-quality-and-oversight-ltc

Aysha Kuhlor MSN, RN, PAC-NE

Chief Clinical Advisor

Phone 808-688-7459

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.theinspac.com

Courses: https://courses.theinspac.com- explore our courses and certifications

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/theinspac to book an appointment

Contact: [email protected]