As promised, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published documents related to the new LTC survey process that goes into effect on November 28, 2017. The survey process, which combines elements of the traditional survey and the QIS survey, includes a long list of Critical Element Pathways to help surveyors. Pathways include:
- SNF Beneficiary Protection Notification Review
- Dining Observation
- Infection Prevention, Control & Immunizations
- Kitchen Observation
- Medication Administration Observation
- Resident Council Interview
- Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Plan Review
- Abuse Critical Element Pathway
- Environmental Observations
- Sufficient and Competent Nurse Staffing Review
- Personal Funds Review
- Activities Critical Element Pathway
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Critical Element Pathway
- Behavioral and Emotional Status Critical Element Pathway
- Urinary Catheter or Urinary Tract Infection Critical Element Pathway
- Communication and Sensory Problems (Includes Hearing and Vision) Critical Element Pathway
- Dental Status and Services Critical Element Pathway
- Dialysis Critical Element Pathway
- General Critical Element Pathway
- Hospice and End of Life Care and Services Critical Element Pathway
- Death Critical Element Pathway
- Nutrition Critical Element Pathway
- Pain Recognition and Management Critical Element Pathway
- Physical Restraints Critical Element Pathway
- Pressure Ulcer/Injury Critical Element Pathway
- Specialized Rehabilitative or Restorative Services Critical Element Pathway
- Respiratory Care Critical Element Pathway
- Unnecessary Medications, Psychotropic Medications, and Medication Regimen Review Critical Element Pathway
- Medication Storage and Labeling
- Preadmission Screening and Resident Review Critical Element Pathway
- Extended Survey
- Hydration Critical Element Pathway
- Tube Feeding Status Critical Element Pathway
- Positioning, Mobility & Range of Motion (ROM) Critical Element Pathway
- Hospitalization Critical Element Pathway
- Bladder or Bowel Incontinence Critical Element Pathway
- Accidents Critical Element Pathway
- Neglect Critical Element Pathway
- Resident Assessment Critical Element Pathway
- Discharge Critical Element Pathway
- Dementia Care Critical Element Pathway
The Entrance Conference process has also been updated with a new worksheet and associated matrix with instructions. Check back to the CMSCG Blog for more information shortly.