CMS Releases Updated Survey Procedure Guide (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the current Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) Procedure Guide in anticipation of survey activity verifying compliance with the CMS Vaccine Mandate.  The changes become effective on January 27, 2022, the date for Phase 1 compliance with the vaccine mandate. Upon entrance of an annual or complaint survey, surveyors are expected to print a blank matrix for use in determining provider vaccination rates. Rates will include all vaccinated staff, staff with medical & religious exemptions, and staff with temporary medical delays. As of yet, the COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Matrix with Instructions form has not been released to the public.