Competency is more than a signature on a checklist — it’s the foundation of safe, comprehensive care provided by a knowledgeable staff. Day 4 of our 12 Days of Compliance Series on the CMSCG Blog is all about our favorite reminder to clients – an educated staff is your best asset! January is the right time to evaluate whether staff have the knowledge and skills required to meet resident needs and regulatory expectations.
A strong competency program includes:
- Annual skills validation for all clinical staff
- Targeted competencies based on resident acuity
- Direct observation of practice, not just verbal confirmation
- Documentation that clearly reflects what was assessed and how
Surveyors frequently cite facilities for inconsistent practice, unclear expectations, or outdated competencies. A structured, well‑documented competency program reduces risk and strengthens quality of care. Don’t forget about the importance of ensuring your educators and assessors are competent and follow facility protocols when training your new staff. It’s a problem that comes up more than you may think.
New Year Compliance Check:
Are your competency assessments based on current resident needs? Do they match what’s in your Facility Assessment?
If you’d like help developing or validating staff competencies, our team can support your training and assessment needs. Contact us at 631.692.4422 or info@cmscg.net or visit cmscompliancegroup.com.
