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 …
Jessie McGill, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA Every spring, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the next fiscal year’s (FY’s) payment policies and rates. This provides an opportunity for stakeholders and providers to respond during the comment period. Each year, the American …
The COVID-19 pandemic is quite diminished but still a concern in some nursing homes due in part to SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as unvaccinated staff. With the public health emergency worsening the already significant staffing shortage, simply relying on the documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) may not be …
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 …
