CMS Releases Resources for Risk-Based Surveys

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on August 13 released resources to help providers get ready for the new Risk-Based Survey for nursing homes starting next month.

In less than one month on Sept. 8, CMS plans to implement its nationwide Nursing Home Risk-Based Survey (RBS) process, broadening a pilot program to the entire country. The Quality, Safety, & Oversight (QSO) Memo outlines this RBS process that directs state agencies’ limited resources where they are needed most — by focusing fewer resources on the nation’s higher-performing nursing homes so states can address issues in nursing homes where residents’ health and safety are at greater risk.

The agency said to identify these higher-performing facilities, the agency will place an icon on the Care Compare tool on Medicare.gov.

New Resources

The new resources are available on the Nursing Homes page of the CMS website in the Downloads section.

New documents include the typically available resources used by state survey agencies during standard recertification surveys, adapted for use on the Risk-Based Survey.

Videos will be made available on the Quality, Safety and Education Portal (QSEP) in the future.

Comments or questions on this article? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.