Payroll Based Journal Reporting
Effective July 1, 2016, care centers must electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, including information for agency and contract staff, based on payroll and other auditable data according to specifications established by CMS. This new system is called Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ).
Revision of Federal Overtime Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule that affects overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales and computer employees (the "white collar" exemption). It's currently on hold due to a preliminary injunction.
OSHA Tracking of Workplace Injuries/Illnesses
Finalized May 12, 2016, this OSHA rule calls for electronic submission of injury and illness reports, and states that reports will be posted in a publicly accessible website. It also includes provisions requiring employer policies to support prompt and accurate reporting.
Nursing Home Compare: Six New Quality Measures Publicly Reported
In April 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began posting data for six new quality measures on Nursing Home Compare. There are four new short stay measures and two new long-stay measures.
Five Star Quality Rating System: Five New Measures Added to Quality Domain
In April 2016, CMS added six new quality measures (QMs) to Nursing Home Compare (see above). On July 27, 2016, CMS added the first five of those QMs to the Five Star Nursing Home Quality Rating System.
Hospital Discharge Planning Requirements
CMS has issued a proposed rule that would require hospitals to assist patients in selecting a post-acute care provider by using and sharing SNF quality measures data.
Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
The EPA has proposed a rule that would increase regulations regarding disposal of pharmaceuticals classified as hazardous waste. Facilities would be prohibited from disposing of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet or into a drain.
Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation for Home Health Agencies
This proposed federal rule revises the conditions of participation that home health agencies must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. It updates many existing regulatory requirements and creates new requirements.
Medicare Overpayments Rule
CMS has implemented a rule governing the ACA requirement to identify and return Medicare overpayments to CMS within 60 days. Under the rule, providers, including Skilled Nursing Facilities, are required to use “reasonable diligence” to identify overpayments and to see that they are returned within the time frame to avoid penalties.
Medicare SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP)
This program will begin with the rate year starting on Oct. 1, 2018. In the first year, the only quality measure used will be 30-day all cause readmission rates (both the overall rate and improvement by each facility). The first measurement period will be calendar year 2017.
