CMS updates guidance for long-term care facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last week updated its guidance regarding certain regulatory requirements for long-term care (LTC) facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. As CMS prepares to propose minimum staffing levels for LTC facilities through rulemaking, the agency said the guidance adds new requirements for surveyors to use staffing data submitted to CMS’ payroll-based journal to identify potential noncompliance with CMS nurse staffing requirements and identify insufficient staffing. CMS said the guidance also requires each facility to have an infection preventionist who has specialized training to oversee the facility’s infection prevention and control program; and clarifies requirements when facilities care for residents with mental health or substance use disorders. (CMS news release, 6/29/22)