CMS provides a current list of F-tags by regulatory grouping used in the Long-term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) CMS updated the tag list on June 19, 2021. List of Revised FTags [Effective 06/19/2021] (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/GuidanceforLawsAndRegulations/Nursing-Homes.html
Available survey pathways include the following: LTC Survey Pathways – Updated 06/19/2021 (ZIP) SNF Beneficiary Protection Notification Review Dining Observation Infection Prevention, Control & Immunizations. Note: 6/19/2021 update for this pathway. Kitchen Observation Medication Administration Observation Resident Council Interview Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) …
This ZIP file contains resources for surveyors conducting initial surveys under the Long-term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). It is a one-stop shop containing a multitude of reference materials that are provided to the surveyors going into facilities, including, for example, a document detailing their principles of documentation, a document showing how …
On May 11, 2021, CMS published an interim final rule with comment period that added new COVID-19 vaccination reporting requirements for nursing home staff and residents. CMS has provided a four-week grace period for facilities to educate themselves on the new requirements and to operationalize reporting. On June 10, 2021, …
AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Labor. ACTION: Interim final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is issuing an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect healthcare and healthcare support service workers from occupational exposure to COVID-19 in settings where people with …
On June 3, 2021, CMS announced that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) may now begin conducting post-payment medical reviews for dates of service after March 2020. Early in the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), CMS held all medical reviews. In August 2020, CMS resumed post-payment reviews of items and services with …
Recently, CMS resumed medical reviews for Medicare claims for dates of service after March 2020; however, it may be difficult for facility staff to audit COVID-19-related diagnoses due to how frequently guidance was updated from February 2020 through January 1, 2021. AAPACN’s COVID-19 Diagnosis Coding Guidance Timeline for Auditing Claims …
Question: If an OBRA or PPS assessment is completed late but the ARD was set timely in the appropriate window, is there a financial penalty or is it just a possible survey tag? Answer from Jeff Taylor, RN: For Medicare, there is no financial penalty for late completion. However, other …
Question: Is a physician order needed for a restorative passive range of motion (PROM) program? Answer from Kim Steele, RN, WCC, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA: No, a physician order is not required for nursing restorative programs, but it must be care planned and the provision of the PROM documented. Want to read …
Question: A resident on Medicare Part A admitted to the facility from the hospital on 5/26. He was sent to the emergency department (ED) on 5/27 and remained there on observation until 5/29. He readmitted on 5/29. Then, that same day, 3.5 hours after returning, he fell in the facility …
