On June 18, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) released the revised guidance for the Long-Term Care Facility Assessment regulation (QSO-24-13-NH), as part of the federal staffing mandate finalized last month.
The updated regulatory requirements have been relocated from 42 CFR 483.70 to 42 CFR 483.71. The existing regulations at 42 CFR 483.70(f) through (q) have been renumbered as paragraphs (e) through (p), respectively. The revised guidance emphasizes that surveyors should verify whether a facility assessment includes all the required components as stipulated by the regulation, without assessing the quality of the assessment itself.
The revision to the facility assessment regulation at F838 will take effect and must be implemented by August 8, 2024.
New areas included in the guidance for determining compliance encompass the following:
• The facility assessment must include an evaluation of the resident population and its needs (e.g., acuity) using evidence-based, data-driven methods.
• The facility assessment should accurately represent the resident population.
• The facility assessment must address the facility’s resident capacity.
• The facility assessment should include information on staffing levels required for specific shifts, such as day, evening, and night, and be adjusted as necessary based on changes in the resident population.
• The facility assessment must identify the skills and competencies required by those providing care.
• The facility assessment should be conducted with input from the individuals specified in regulation 483.71(b).
• The facility assessment must indicate the resources needed to meet all resident needs, including equipment, supplies, services, personnel, health information technology, and the physical environment.
• The facility must have a plan for maximizing the recruitment and retention of direct care staff.
• The facility assessment should include a contingency plan informed by the facility assessment.
On Tuesday, July 9, LeadingAge and Pathway Health Services will provide an informational session on the staffing mandate and compliance with the facility assessment provisions. To register and learn more, click here.
