CMS has announced many updates in a new memo to nursing homes as we continue to navigate the challenges of the public health emergency. Key updates in the new memo include:
- Nursing Home Compare website & Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System: The inspection domain will be held constant temporarily due to the prioritization and suspension of certain surveys, to ensure the rating system reflects fair information for consumers.
- Posting of surveys: CMS will post a list of the surveys conducted after the prioritization of certain surveys, and their findings, through a link on the Nursing Home Compare website.
- Nursing Home Staff: CMS is publishing a list of the average number of nursing and total staff that work onsite in each nursing home, each day. This information can be used to help direct adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing to nursing homes.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): A list of FAQs will clarify certain actions taken related to visitation, surveys, waivers, and other guidance.