The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updates to both the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) and Acute Hospital manuals. These updates, issued on August 25 and September 5, include important changes that hospitals should be aware of to maintain compliance.
Critical Access Hospitals
CMS updated the regulations for Critical Access Hospitals, including sections on Patient Rights. It is important to note that these updates apply only to the regulations themselves—there were no changes to the Interpretive Guidelines or Survey Procedures.
Acute Hospitals
For Acute Hospitals, CMS released updated Interpretive Guidelines and Survey Procedures for several regulations originally issued in 2019 and 2020. Key topics covered in these updates include:
- MOON Notice: Updates on requirements for patient notification.
- Patient Rights: Guidance on patient assessment, electronic death reporting, and the use of restraints.
- Physical Environment: Updates regarding Life Safety Code compliance, alcohol-based hand rubs, windows and doors, and equipment maintenance policies.
- Outpatient Services: Clarification on procedures where only an assessment is permissible and the role of RNs in outpatient settings.
- Swing Beds: Changes to services no longer required.
- Infection Control: Guidance on Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) and a team-based approach to infection prevention.
- Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI): Emphasis on unified and integrated systems.
- Discharge Planning: Updated recommendations for effective discharge processes.
- Medical Records: Updates on interoperability requirements for patient access.
These updates reflect CMS’s ongoing efforts to enhance patient safety, quality of care, and regulatory clarity. Hospitals are encouraged to review these updates carefully and incorporate any necessary changes into their policies and procedures.
For more information, visit the CMS website or contact your state survey agency for guidance.
