CMS Minimum Staffing Study (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with an outside firm to aid in completing a nursing facility minimum staffing study. As part of this study, a small number of nursing facilities across all 50 states will be contacted for a site visit. 

AHCA has advocated these site visits be utilized to understand the wide range of staffing models available and used by facilities, stressing that a one size solution does not fit all. They have also emphasized these visits present an opportunity to identify how staff contribute to resident outcomes and experiences, recognizing again that it takes a diverse team of individuals and services to provide both clinical and non-clinical care for residents. Through these site visits, the goal is that CMS learn and understand how best to support nursing facilities in building and developing their workforce.

If selected, you will receive a letter from CMS outlining the intended visit and the authority for the visit. To learn more about the visits and the importance of sharing your challenges click HERE.

§483.85 Compliance and Ethics – F895 (SNF)

Under §483.85, facilities must have a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics (C&E) program meeting all requirements laid out by CMS. Surveyors will be reviewing the facilities’ written policies and procedures and interviewing both staff and high-level personnel overseeing the program to determine if this program is in place. They will look for examples of the compliance program in action, evidence of the annual review, and that the organization has completed due diligence on the high level personnel overseeing the program.

The CMS regulations include eight required components of a compliance and ethics program, three additional components for organizations operating five or more facilities, and a required annual review.

For more information click HERE.