The word “immediate” in the State Operation Manual, Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities can be interpreted in multiple ways. Determining the timing of interventions...
CMS doubles down: Surveyors do not have to be COVID vaccinated
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 07, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has held audiences with skilled nursing providers, made presentations and entertained comments in recent months to assure operators that regulatory actions...
Dozens of surveyors sent to nursing homes without being tested for COVID-19
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 21, 2020
Dozens of state health inspectors have been sent to survey Minnesota nursing homes’ infection control compliance without first being tested for COVID-19. Critics note this puts already susceptible residents...
Surveyors haven’t dropped the hammer on new nursing home arbitration rules, but threats persist
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 08, 2024
Two years after surveyors began enforcing new arbitration rules, they have not pursued skilled nursing operators with the vigor some expected.
Any eggrolls with that, Sweetie?
By
Lori Porter
Dec 08, 2014
It so happened that in the drive-thru at Panda Express recently, I had an epiphany. Let me explain.
Minnesota starts testing nursing home inspectors before entering facilities
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 08, 2020
Nursing home surveyors in Minnesota are now being tested for COVID-19 after state officials faced criticism for allowing the inspectors to go into facilities without first being tested for the disease.
Ask the care expert … about interpretive guidance
By
Sherrie Dornberger
Mar 01, 2014
I heard there was communication to surveyors on being required to cite the regulation and not the interpretive guidance. Where can I find this?
CMS releases updated Phase 3 guidance
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 29, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday released updated guidance for nursing home surveyors as part of the Phase 2 and 3 Requirements of Participation.
No timeline for official QAPI regulation, but surveyors are learning program basics, CMS official says
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 14, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services still cannot say when an official regulation will be established for the Quality Assessment and Performance Initiative, but that’s not stopping the agency...
Cut the hypocrisy when it comes to flu shots for health workers
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 10, 2014
Providers get enough pressure about vaccinating their employees. They don’t need the hypocrisy dished out by surveyors too.